Milton Howell Tennant Jr.

Milt Tennant, 83, a lifelong resident of Springfield passed away on Monday August 18th, 2025, at his home.

He was born May 6th, 1942. He was the first of 5 children of Milton H Tennant Sr. and Ida Brents Tennant. He married Karol E Broyles on February 24th, 1968. She preceded him in death. He married Jaclyn D Prater on August 28th, 2018. She preceded him in death. He was preceded in death by his sisters Marilyn Tennant and Lynetta Tennant.

Milt is survived by his sisters Effie Jean Tennant and Sandra Marie Tennant of Springfield. A daughter Melissa (husband Alex) Glass, Seattle, WA, a son Milton H Tennant III, Belleville, IL, a grandson Milton H Tennant IV, Nashville, IL and his beloved dogs Rhone and Runner.

Milt graduated from Feitshans High School and went on to attend Western Illinois University to play football. Milt interrupted his studies to serve his country in the US Army and Illinois National Guard.

Milt had an entrepreneurial spirit, and he started his own business in 1978 called Landscape Design. He began coaching youth soccer in 1978 in the local YMCA youth soccer league. Coaching youth soccer lead to an opportunity to join the soccer staff at Sangamon State University in 1985. He would go on to be part of three national championship winning soccer teams in 1986, 1988 and 1993. He is a three-time inductee in the University of Illinois at Spfld sports hall of fame with those teams. When he was not coaching, he enjoyed being with his family, fishing, reading, working in his yard and watching sports.

There will be a celebration of life gathering on Sunday August 24th, 2025, from 1-3 pm at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E Allen, Springfield, IL. Those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the UIS Soccer Program.