Dale Wesley Milligan

In Memory of Dale Milligan (1936-2025)

Dale Wesley Milligan, 89, of Caliente, CA passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. He was born in Covington, Oklahoma on February 26, 1936, a son of Emma and Bert Milligan.

Dale grew up in Oklahoma City, OK with his sister, Shirley Ann. He served in the Navy as a Seabee (Construction Battalion) and was honorably discharged. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Dale and his first wife Revelle moved to California from Oklahoma in 1962. Dale enjoyed a long career as an Electrical Engineer for Northrop Corporation.

Dale's hobbies and interests were wide and varied. He loved camping, backpacking, hunting, skiing, canoeing, and cruising on his motorcycle. He was an avid runner, running marathons and ultra-marathons. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and also a Shriner.

In 1991, Dale was married to Karen at their ranch in Caliente. Dale retired from Northrop in 1994 and then subsequently became a General Contractor (Milligan's Master Builders). Dale was a Trustee, Treasurer and Deacon of Twin Oaks Community Church.

Dale was predeceased by his wife, Karen Milligan and his step-son, John D'Onofrio. Dale leaves behind his daughters, Lisa Rutledge (Tom Fowler), Paige Sleva (Marty), Tricia Rapaport (Steve), and stepdaughters, Andrea D'Onofrio (John), Kristine Nickel (Ricky), and Jennifer Atkinson (Joe) as well as 10 grandchildren, Nathaniel Rutledge (Jessah), Nicole Deemes (Neil), Leanna Jackson (Ricky), Brette Sleva, Daylan Sleva, Aaron Rapaport, Sarah Grace Rapaport, Joey Atkinson, Jacob Atkinson, and Will D'Onofrio, along with 9 great-grandchildren.

Dale believed in the comforting words of Jesus, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3

Dale will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Twin Oaks Community Church in Caliente, CA, followed by a potluck reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Twin Oaks Community Church. Checks can be mailed to 16115 Caliente Creek Rd., Caliente, CA 93518, or donations can be made through PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BG3BSGAUB8SFW