Mike Milligan Obituary

Mike A. Milligan, age 72, of Galveston, IN. peacefully took his final bow and left this world for the next, on September 8th, 2023 at 5:58pm from Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo, IN. He was born April 29, 1951 in Kokomo, IN. to Florence (Tolley) and William E. Milligan. He was nearly born at the Kokomo Speedway racetrack, where his parents spent time spectating or racing! He always had wheels on! He grew up on Laguna Street in a large family of seven sisters and a brother, the oldest. Mike was the baby. . . The Caboose, as his father called him. He was a 1969 Kokomo High School (National Honor Society) Graduate. He played trombone in marching band and excelled at music, math, and history studies. He was an Eagle Scout. On June 5, 1970, he married the love of his life, Linda McReynolds. They met at Elwood Haynes Elementary School in 1965. He adored her for 58 years until his very last breath. . . Mike was a skilled tradesman tool and die cast maker for Chrysler for 30 years (1971-2001). He was UAW 1166 President from 1996-1999. He was a hard worker and he could fix anything! He loved music, guitars, motorcycles, and his family. He performed on guitar and sang in various award-winning groups such as: The Minute Men, Velvet Infinity, Buffalo, RAMM,Skyline, Radio Flyer, Little Brother, H. I. S. , and Milligan Stew. He was able to travel and perform with the Drifters in the early 1970's and opened for B. B. King! Just a few weeks before his exit, he was soothing slipping souls with his guitar and the Branded Bluegrass Band, and on stage performing to a largehometown crowd with his sons, Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel (band). The man was a dynamo! Mike was powerfully strong all of his life. . . Physically,mentally, and spiritually until the final bell but soft and gentle as a Teddy bear at times. He had 7 older sisters! He was a fighter. He had to be. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda (McReynolds) Milligan; his children, Michael (Suzanne) Milligan, Shaun (Stacy) Milligan, and Kelly (Matt) Ryan; 5 grandchildren, Logan Ryan, Raven Milligan, Maceo Milligan, Reah Milligan, and Lilyanne Milligan; sister Dee Milligan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Billy Milligan; 6 sisters, Betty Hodge, Lula Belle Gargus, Thelma Emry, Patsy Lanning, Mary Jo Turnpaugh, and Dixie Lancaster; grandson, Nolan Ryan; special nephew, Chuck "Chuckles" Kenimond; and Charlie Blue. Be Strong. Be Brave. Be Fearless. The Caboose has left the Station. . . A memorial celebration will be held Friday, September 15th, 2023, 5pm-7pm at Bennett's Switch Community Church, 2261 W SR 18, Kokomo, IN 46901. A Special Thank You to: Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pastor Norm Snyder at Bennett's Switch Community Church, Bishop Romon Oglesby at Great Faith Christian Center Church, and Pastor Paul Enochs.