Louis Dale Milligan, age 81, of Redding, California passed away on Sunday May 10, 2020 after battling cancer. Louie died peacefully with his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce Milligan and his three daughters by his side.
Louie was born October 29, 1938 in Lifkin, Texas to Lester and Alice Milligan. The oldest of 5 sons, Louie enlisted in the Navy in 1956 at the age of 17 as a naval machinist mate stationed on the USS Rodgers. During his service, while on leave he met his wife Joyce and was soon married before his honorable discharge in 1959. The grew their family and soon had three daughters Diane, Norma, and Teresa. If you would ask the girls how their childhood was, it would be nothing short of wonderful. While growing up in Santa Cruz, CA Louie and Joyce made sure they gave their girls the world. Always going on adventures, attending social gatherings like car clubs, racing Jeeps at Pismo beach, camping, fishing, and going on memorable family trips. Louie was a family man, he never went anywhere without including his girls. Later in 1979, they moved from Santa Cruz for a more small town feel of Redding. There, he started his thriving transmission business along side of his brother.
Louie's passion was cars, a true mechanic at heart. He had a gifted talent and passion for rebuilding classic cars and they were the most beautiful show cars you could see. That passion and love for vintage cars, led Louie along with his brother Bud and friend, Tom Parker to start and found Redding's now beloved and very popular Kool April Nights.
Louie wasn't a man that sought the spot light, but if anyone thanked or recognized him for his large part of the car show, it would bring the biggest smile to his face. He was proud of many accomplishments in his life, but one of his most proud was being a part of such an admired and treasured event in our community. Because of that, he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in Northern California.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Alice Milligan and brother Chuck Milligan. He is survived by his wife Joyce Milligan; their three daughters, Diane (Tom) Gaither, Norma (Bruce) Bates, and Teresa (Dan) Cook. Grandchildren; Kevin, Krystal, Tanya, Timothy, Samantha, Tristen, Stephanie, Kenneth, Taylor and Branden. Three brothers; Ed, Bud, and Jack Milligan, along with 12 great grandchildren.
A visitation for Louis will be held Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McDonald's Chapel, 1275 Continental St, Redding, California. Following the visitation will be a procession and private burial at Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas Point Rd, Igo, California 96047.
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