Eldon (Bruce) Milligan, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (Submarine qualified), passed away peacefully July 9th, 2012 after a long illness. He was born January 12, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas to James and Dorothy (nee Guthrie) Milligan. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September, 1960 and retired after 28 years of dedicated service. His duty stations included the USS Tunny (SSG 282), the USS Sculpin (SSN 590), the USS Trigger (SS 564), and the USS Kamehameha (SSBN 642) among many others. Bruce received many awards during his naval career including 2 Navy Commendation Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, 2 Navy Expeditionary Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Deterrent Patrol Pin. After retirement he worked as a long-haul truck driver and Maintenance Supervisor at Saginaw Valley State College. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and leant his beautiful bass voice to his church choir. He played hand bells, enjoyed line-dancing, and was an active member of Sanford United Methodist Church, in Sanford MI. He is survived by his lovely wife Ruth Ann Wrona of Sanford, MI, daughter, Rebecca Howard (and partner Pamela Mitchell) of Chillicothe, Ohio, son, Blaine Manor (and wife Susan), of Marietta, GA, daughter, Kimberly Dauterive (and husband Ross) of Las Vegas, NV, daughter, Laura Bowen of Chillicothe, OH, son, Michael Milligan (and wife Sarah) of Buffalo, NY, daughter, Racell Frasle of Saginaw, MI, grandchildren Sean, Shannon, Kristina, Alex, Ben, Samantha, and Ryder, sisters Lenell Rowles and Valide Lozano, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Geraldine Harrelson. Two Memorial Services will be held. Thursday, July 12, 1:00 p.m. at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Chapel, 3000 Monroe Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Robert Dennis officiating. And Friday, July 13, 11:00 a.m. at the Sanford United Methodist Church, 2560 N.W. River Road, Sanford, MI 48657 with visitation one hour prior to service. Pastor Anthony N. Cutting officiating. A Naval Burial at Sea will take place. Memorial contributions can be made to G.R.H.F.V. Protestant Chapel Fund c/o Grand Rapids Home for Veterans or the charity of your choice.
