Lloyd Edward Milburn

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC, Retired) Lloyd Edward Milburn passed away in Arcadia, CA in October 2025. He was born in the Teche Community of Opelousas, Louisiana. He was the youngest of fourteen children born to Alma Rogers Milburn and Curley Milburn. He grew up on the family farm with his parents and five of his younger siblings. He completed elementary school in the Teche Community, and high school at the Saint Landry Parish Training School in Opelousas. He graduated in 1948, the Salutatorian, from a class of forty-eight students.

Lloyd Milburn continued his education at Southern University and A&M College (Agricultural and Mechanical College) where he received his Bachelor of Sciences in Vocational Agriculture with Academic Honors in 1952. He left a position as the Trainee Assistant County Agent for Work with Negroes to pursue a military career. He was Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States (US) Army Transportation Corps after completing the Military Science course and other advanced studies at Southern University.

He entered active duty in the US Army in 1953 where he served for 22 years including assignments as the commander of platoons, companies, and a battalion. He served as an instructor at the US Army Transportation School and in senior staff officer positions in the National Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and Headquarters US Department of Defense. He received awards, including the Legion of Merit Award and the Meritorious Service Medal, for his outstanding service and accomplishments for assignments in the US, Korea, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, and Belgium. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Upon retirement from the military, he began a new career as a US Civil Servant in the US Department of Transportation. His work included serving as the Director of Emergency Transportation. He was also the US Representative in a NATO Committee for Civil Aviation preparedness planning where he also served as the Chairman for three years. Lloyd Milburn was known throughout the federal, civilian, and international NATO communities as a very dedicated, strong, knowledgeable leader with impeccable integrity.

Lloyd Milburn actively participated in fraternal and civic organizations throughout his life including the ROCKS, Incorporated, the Bachelor Benedict Club, and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He greatly enjoyed dinners with family and friends. His barbeque skills were legendary! He also loved to travel, and took many national and international trips, for work and pleasure.

He deeply loved his family, especially his lovely wife, Virginia of 69 years, who preceded him in death, and his children, Dr. Norweeta Milburn (Spouse: Dr. Anthony Jackson) and Lloyd Milburn, Jr. (Deceased) (Spouse: Marlo (Toni) Milburn), and his granddaughter, Sarah Jackson, Esq. This family love also extended to his step-grandsons, Kevin and Eric Burks, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lloyd Milburn’s outlook on life was one of great positivity. No one was a stranger. He treated everyone with kindness. He had an abiding faith in God that accompanied his life journey. He will continue to experience God’s grace and love as he navigates the beyond. He did well – or as he liked to say – Lloyd, you done good!

Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at Ft. Myer Chapel with inurnment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.