Robert Edward Miljan Sr. of Benton
Robert Edward Miljan Sr., 91, of Benton passed away at 12:46 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
He was born Sept. 3, 1926, in Highland Park, Mich., to Stanley and Johanna (Georgivich) Miljan. Robert graduated from North Branch High School in North Branch, Mich. He married Betty Ruth Boggs Nov. 29, 1947, and she preceded him in death May 28, 2015.
He graduated from Industrial Training Institute in Chicago and worked for Buick Motor Division for 14 years. He then worked for Zodys Department Store as a district manager over several stores in the Michigan area. He then joined the Sam Walton Walmart store as store manager in Conway. Robert was promoted to district manager over Walmart stores located in Southern Illinois, retiring in April 1991.
Robert served in the U.S. Naval Forces during World War II. He enlisted Sept. 11, 1944, and was discharged June 16, 1946. His highest rank held was ship's cook, second class. The vessels and station he served on were N.T.S. Great Lakes IL, U.S.S. Lamar (APA 47) South Pacific, U.S.S. General R. E. Callan (AP 139) and U.S.S. Kadashan Bay (C.V.E. 76). His service school was completed at N.T. Center in Gulfport, Miss. Robert was bestowed with the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.
Robert was the Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, lifetime member of third and fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Bocce Ball Club, Liturgical minister, usher and offertory presenter.
Robert is survived by his four sons, Robert Edward Miljan Jr. of West Bloomfield, Mich., Steven George Miljan of Bowling Green, Ky., Bradley Keith Miljan of Benton and Michael David Miljan Sr. of Spring Lake, Mich.; daughter Marsha Ann (Miljan) Reed of Byron, Mich; two sisters, Dona (Miljan) Fike and Helen Marelich; several nieces and nephews; four grandsons, Robert Edward Miljan III of Lansing, Mich., Ryan Karl Miljan of Plymouth, Mich., Justin Reed of Nashville, Tenn., and Michael David Miljan Jr. of Oconomowoc, Wis.; and seven granddaughters, Lacie Nicole (Miljan) Wilson of Somerset, Ky., Amber (Miljan) Nason of Cooperville, Mich., Amanda Brooke (Miljan) Morel of Bowling Green, Ky., Annie (Miljan) Marshall of Beulah, Mich., Jamie (Reed) Johnson of Mt. Rose, Mich., Ilene (Hensley) Gilmore of West Bloomfield, Mich., and Amber Hensley of Naples, Fla.
He was preceded in death by father Stanley Miljan Sr., mother Johanna Miljan, wife Betty Ruth Miljan, and brothers Charles Miljan and Stanley Miljan Jr.
Visitation was Sunday, July 22, 2018, at Pate Funeral Home in Benton. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Swartz Funeral Home in Flint, Mich., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. A private family viewing will be held at 9 a.m. with a prayer service to follow at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, at Swartz Funeral Home. The funeral procession will leave following the prayer service for a graveside service at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Flint, Mich.
Memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be given at patefh.com.