Joe Lynn Milligan

Joe Lynn Milligan, beloved husband, father, papa, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on January 5, 2025, at his home in Norman, Oklahoma. He was born on September 6, 1939, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, to M.D. Milligan and Lois Lorene Milligan (Sanford).

Joe’s early years were spent in various cities in Texas and Oklahoma, before he and his family moved to Prague, Oklahoma in 1977. Later, in 2003, Joe and Betty moved to Norman, Oklahoma. A proud graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Pharmacy School, Joe earned a doctorate in Pharmacy and had a lifelong dedication to the field.

Joe’s passions were many, and he was deeply involved in both his professional and personal communities. He was a dedicated member of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy and St. Thomas More University Parish. He actively supported St. Wencelaus Catholic Church in Prague, Prague’s Kiwanis Club, the Prague School Board, and various Booster Clubs, St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Norman, and he cherished his time spent with his friends and family while serving his community throughout his life.

Joe’s warm heart and infectious laughter were central to his relationships with his family and friends. He had a love for life that was reflected in his favorite activities, such as traveling with his beloved wife, Betty. They loved Santa Fe and made many trips there throughout his life. They vacationed there with their three children and grandchildren often. One of their favorite spots was the rooftop at the LaFonda Hotel having their favorite beverage. He also enjoyed their travels to Ireland, Italy and Alaska. He loved taking pictures and that can be seen through the many photo albums that grace his living room bookcases. Joe loved telling stories about his childhood, his children and grandchildren and about the amazing sites he saw while traveling, He never met a person that he didn’t connect with and that was evident in the many friendships he made even later in his life. As mobility became harder for him his traveling slowed and he enjoyed a game of solitaire or getting and then giving decorating tips from watching HGTV. He tried to keep his mind sharp while solving puzzles on Wheel of Fortune. He still infused his life long love for cooking while constantly looking for new recipes to share with family and friends. He also cherished the love and companionship from his dog, Buddy after Betty’s passing. Joe also had a wide interest in music with a particular fondness for Elvis, Michael Bublé, and Blake Shelton.

A devoted family man, Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Milligan, whom he married on August 7, 1965, in Oklahoma City. They shared 51 years of marriage before Betty passed away on October 30, 2016. Joe is survived by their three children: Stephanie Lowery (Steve Lowery) of Norman, OK; Dr. Michael Milligan (Kristi Milligan) of Norman, OK; and Melanie Milligan (Joseph Harrell) of Norman, OK. Joe’s legacy lives on in his five grandchildren: Hilary Leonard (John), Hannah Rushing (Grayson), Kaitlin Milligan (Matthew Braley), Maci Jo Milligan, and Lillie Harrell. He is also survived by his sister in laws Ann Milligan of Arkansas and Dorothy Edgemon of Missouri.

Joe is also preceded in death by his brother Don Milligan.

Joe was a man who loved being a grandparent and spoiled his grandchildren endlessly. You would often hear him tell one of them “if your parents tell you can only have one slice of cake, they didn’t tell you how big that slice had to be, and Coconut pie must always have meringue.” He is remembered as a kind, loving, and generous man who would do anything for anyone and valued the importance of holding tight to those you love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stephenson Cancer Center in memory of Betty Milligan, his late wife.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 am at St Thomas More University Parish and Student Center, 100 Stinson St, Norman, OK 73072. The family thanks all those who have supported them during this time.