Kelmer Milligan

Kelmer Milligan, 91, of Moline, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held at a later date.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kelmer was born on August 12, 1924, at his parent’s home in Strawberry, Arkansas. He was the third of seven children born to Melvin Roy and Lillie Mae Green Milligan.  On May 11, 1946, he married Helen Doyle in Lawrence County, Arkansas.  They were married for fifty-seven years before she passed away in 2003. Together they had three daughters and one son.

Kelmer worked in Ypsilanti, Michigan at the Ford plant making B-24 bombers for WWII.  He then worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for almost 40 years, starting as a journeyman pipe fitter.  The Department of the Army awarded Kelmer with the Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service Award for Performance of Duty for his courage and competence on Labor Day 1964.  Steam pipes burst while he was working and crawling through scalding water, he pulled a coworker and himself out of the tunnel, saving both their lives.  Though badly burned, he ran a block to alert authorities to shut down the valves to avoid further damage.

Kelmer participated in a bowling league with his coworkers at Central Bowl every Monday night for years and was very proud of his nickname, “Mr. Average.”  An accomplished self-taught mechanic, he could fix almost anything.  Even after retirement in January of 1985, he was not idle.  He had many hobbies and activities including repairing and selling bicycles, bike riding, playing poker, attending auctions and traveling to visit family.  He was also a great storyteller with his Arkansas accent he never lost.

As a person, he never met a stranger.  As a husband, father, grandfather and brother, he was kind, patient and loving.  Nothing gave him greater joy than his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They will always remember him as an awesome Pawpaw.  He lived a good, long life and he will be in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelene (Gary) Hanell, Moline, Linda (Tim) Gamble, Santa Barbara, CA, and Patricia John, Moline; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren with two on the way; a brother; three sisters; and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Michael Milligan; a sister; brother; and grandson.  May he rest in peace.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.