Papaw and great-grandpa, passed away peacefully at home in Richmond, VA, after a long illness,
with his eldest grandson and caregiver by his side. He was 94.
Doug was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eula “Catherine” Milligan, after 72 years of
marriage; as well as his parents, John W and Alice Milligan; his brother, Clayson Milligan; his
sister, Norma Jean Markham, and his grandson Michael John Milligan.
Born in Western Kentucky in 1927, Doug was a graduate of Sturgis High School. Upon finishing
school, he set out to make his way in the world, beginning work at Faultless Caster Company in
Evansville, IN, where he met Catherine. They were married on her 18th birthday and shared a
can of beans on the floor of a cold water flat where they began married life together.
Doug and Catherine raised their family in Evansville, IN, and farmed for a time in Elberfeld, IN.
They also built a weekend retreat at Kentucky Lake in Gilbertsville, KY, which eventually became
their year round home, and their children and grandchildren shared many wonderful times
together there over the course of 40 years. Doug culminated his career as an engineer for Essex
Wire in Paducah KY.
After creating a successful crafts business, which they operated in semi-retirement from
Kentucky Lake, Doug and Catherine later moved to Leesburg, FL, where Doug continued
enjoying his lifelong love of fishing, avid musicianship, billiards, bowling, math puzzles,
computers and many other hobbies. They camped and traveled extensively around the country
in their travel trailer, making many close friends over the decades. Doug and Catherine later
moved to Richmond, VA to be with family in their final years.
Doug is survived by his children, Shara Farmer and husband Gary, Alice Boyer and husband Lee,
and Mike Milligan and wife Jackie; as well as seven grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He
will be deeply missed by all of us, and forever loved.
A family viewing will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, East Chapel, Richmond VA, on Friday,
September 17th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in
Richmond VA at 1 p.m.
