Robert Lewis Milliken
Devoted father, friend, marine
Robert Lewis Milliken, a lifelong resident of Washington County, died Tuesday, October 15, 2013, in Venetia, in the home of his loving companion of nine years, Esther Meissonier.
He was born August 21, 1924, in Washington, a son of Harold Raymond Milliken and Mae Amelia Golden.
Mr. Milliken attended grade school in East Washington and was a 1942 graduate of East Washington High School. He was voted best all-around athlete for the history of the school.
A sports lover his entire life, he played softball and basketball until age 81. He also played for the Washington American Legion basketball team in 1946 and Senior League softball for Washington County and South Hills.
After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He participated in the Central Pacific Campaigns, which included the Gilbert, Marshall and Mariana Islands, serving with the Marine Night Fighter Squadron with the rank of Sergeant.
Mr. Milliken worked for Consol Energy for 32 years at the research and development facility in Library, retiring in 1984.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Finleyville and American Legion Post 613, Finleyville.
In 1945, in Fort Worth, Texas, he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jean Bishop. They were married 59 years, until her death in 2001.
Mr. Milliken’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately called him “Coach” and “Bob Bob.” He will always be remembered for his quick wit, subtle humor and his love of the Marine Corps and Penn State Athletics.
Surviving are daughters Patti Dietz (Walt) of Fredericktown and Susan Condie (Pat) of Eighty Four; four grandchildren, Sherri Allsopp (Brian), Shawn Jacobs (Aleece), Robert Mellinger (Beth) and Carly Hunter (Tim); seven great-grandchildren, Randon and Kendal Jean Allsopp, Reese and Brooke Mellinger, Jalee Jean and Wyatt Jacobs and Jimmy Hunter; his companion Esther’s children, Jerry, Albert and Robert Meissonier; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the last of his immediate family.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a brother, Donald Milliken.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where services will held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19. Military services will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston, combined honor guard. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Chartiers Township.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.