John Rowe Milliken

John Rowe Milliken, 84, passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2016. Born October 13, 1931 to Jesse F. and Juanita Alexander Milliken, John grew up on Main St. in Monroe and graduated from Monroe High School. He went on to earn degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. Prior to law school, John served in the US Army during the Korean War. John practiced law in Monroe, serving as the city attorney for over 40 years. He was appointed as one of the original members of the Board of Continuing Legal Education of the North Carolina State Bar and also presided over the State Bar for a term.

John was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe where he served in many positions, eventually earning the distinction of Elder Emeritus. He enjoyed many years in the church choir and there he met his wife, Eloise Broadwell. They were married for fifty-five years. John also enjoyed many years of service to his community, active in civic clubs and charity events. He was named Monroe Jaycee’s Young Man of the Year in 1966 and received an appointment of college trustee for the Charlotte Community College System (CPPC) in 1967. His service continued for many years ending with serving as a volunteer for the Heritage Room in the Union County Courthouse where he had presided as a judge many years earlier.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse F. Milliken, his sister, Martha M. Benton and beloved aunts Ollie, Elizabeth and Harriett Alexander preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Eloise B. Milliken, his daughter, Lee Hutchinson and husband, Dave, his son, Jesse Milliken and wife, Denise, five grandchildren: Nick, Jake and Evan Hutchinson, Lexy and Ashley Milliken.

Memorial services to celebrate John’s life will be 2:00 P. M. Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, with his Pastor Jason Haas officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 302 E. Windsor Street, Monroe N.C. 28112.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mcewenmonroechapel.com. McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Mr. Milliken.