of Branson, MO

July 7, 1924 - October 25, 2014

Merle Russell Milligan, age 90, of Branson Missouri, formerly of Harrison, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2014. He was born July 7, 1924, in Cutler, Illinois, the youngest of four boys, born to Clement and Edna Milligan. Along with his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his three brothers, Lester, Kenneth, and Pershing.

Merle became a resident of Harrison, Arkansas in 1946 when he married Hazel Jeane Davis, where they lived most of their 67 years together. In 2011, they moved to Branson, Missouri to be closer to their son. Merle and Jeane celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary together August 11, 2014. Though separated by living circumstances, they were joined by love until death due them part.

Merle was involved in several sports in high school and college and was quite the athlete in basketball, football, and track. After graduation from high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943 during WWII and served three years. Most of his time was on the U.S.S. Gilbert Island Aircraft carrier. After his tour of duty in the Navy, Merle attended college at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri. It was there that he met Jeannie and several months later married at the First Baptist Church in Harrison.

Merle became a businessman in the community and was the owner of the Otasco Store on the square for 19 years. After the flood of 1961, he sold the store and became the office manager for Flexsteel Industries, where he retired after 20 years. His ''after retirement'' jobs included getting his funeral director's license and assisting with funerals that later progressed to selling prearranged funeral insurance at Christeson Funeral Home.

Merle became a Christian at age 8 while attending a spring revival in 1932. He was a Godly man and demonstrated his walk with Christ by his integrity and faith in God. He served on the Arkansas State Baptist News Magazine Board, the Arkansas State Baptist Executive Board, and was treasure for the North Arkansas Baptist Association for 20 years. Merle and Jeane both were very involved and active members of First Baptist Church, and together they were instrumental in overseeing the senior adult activities by planning trips, and banquets. Merle served as a deacon for many years as well as volunteered as the notary for the First Baptist Church Medical Missions. Other civic duties included working with the United Way, serving on the planning committee for Harrison for 20 years, Harrison Chamber of Commerce, as well as a life member of the American Legion and VFW.

Merle had several passions in life, one for traveling, and he built lifelong memories through family vacations and trips with friends. Being an athlete, he continued his love for sports by cheering on the Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Merle is survived by his wife, Hazel (Davis) Milligan; his two children, David Milligan and wife Becky of Branson, Missouri and Diane Milligan of Seattle, Washington; one grandchild, Crystal Milligan Kitterman and husband Justin, of Nixa Missouri; two great- grandchildren, Taylor Kitterman and Conner Kitterman; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.



"I was born of the flesh in 1924
I was born of the spirit in 1932
That which is born of the flesh may die.
That which is born of the spirit will live forever."
John 3:6



Visitation was Sunday, November 2, 2014, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Funeral service was Monday, November 3, 2014, at First Baptist Church, Harrison, AR, with Bro. Rob Davis officiating.

Pallbearers were Mel Melhorn, Ron Lewis, Justin Kitterman, Paul Milligan, Danny Milligan and Brian Keller.

Honorary pallbearer was Conner Kitterman.

Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.

Sign Guestbook

5 Condolence(s)