Bob Milligan

Robert Wade Milligan August 15, 1935- November 14, 2025 Robert "Bob" Wade Milligan was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, friend, and a man whose life was rich in love, meaning and quiet strength.
Bob passed away peacefully at his home on November 14, 2025. He was born on August 15, 1935, to Robert Wade Milligan Sr. and Vera May Milligan in Piedmont, Missouri.
He was blessed with a large and loving family, and at the center of his world was the love of his life, Carol Joy Pirtle. They married on November 13, 1952-he was just 17, she was 15-and together, they built a beautiful life over their 71 years of marriage. When the Lord called her home, it was only a pause in a true love story that never ends.
Together, Bob and Carol raised six wonderful children. When God said, "Go forth and multiply," they certainly did their part. Their family grew, and with each new child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild, Bob's heart somehow made room for more love.
Bob was a man of many talents and countless passions. Spring and Summer were his favorite seasons-you could always find him in the garden with his hands in the dirt, happiest among his prized tomatoes and his beautiful flowers, which he considered God's finest creations. Winter, a season that definitely wasn't his favorite, (due to the cold) he spent working on his many creative crafts. Whether it was painting, scroll saw work, or building a large replica of the London Bridge out of matchsticks, his creativity never slowed. In his later years, he even took up quilting. No one in the family will ever be short of homemade keepsakes made with love.
He also had a deep thirst for knowledge. Bob never stopped learning. After the age of 70, he decided to master the computer-and he did. If he wanted to learn something, he simply learned it.
Most of all, Bob loved his family, and his family loved him. From his oldest son to his youngest great-great-grandchild, he treasured every moment spent with them. He made each person feel important, valued, and loved-everyone who visited him walked away feeling better than when they arrived.
Bob once said, "If anyone asks how I want to be remembered, tell them this: I never had a lot of worldly possessions, but if the love of my family had a monetary value, then I was the richest man in the world." And anyone who knew him would agree-he truly was.
But the most important thing about Bob was this: he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His faith guided him, sustained him, and brought him peace throughout his life.
Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Joy Milligan; his sons Gregory Allen Milligan and infant son, John Russell Milligan; his parents Robert Wade Milligan Sr. and Vera May Tucker; and his brothers William Tucker and Randy Tucker.
He is survived by his children Bobby Milligan and wife Jeannie, Rick Milligan and wife Teresa, Thomas Milligan and wife D'esta, Bridget Grant and husband David, and Linda Norman; daughter-in-law Brenda Milligan; sister Sharon Tindell and husband Bruce; 14 grandchildren Amy, Kymberly, Tara, Kristi, Shaun, Chris, Tammy, Matt, Mark, Mitchell, Richard, Jennifer, Candace, and David; 32 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob lived a long and meaningful life, rich in relationships and overflowing with love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the beauty he created, and the quiet strength he showed every day.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Salvation Army, two organizations that Bob cared deeply about.