Obituary of John Prescott Milliman
John Prescott “Scotty” Milliman, age 89, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Midland Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on October 5, 1933 in Springfield, Illinois to John S. and Ione (Roscoe) Milliman. After his father obtained a job at Dow Chemical the family moved to Midland, Michigan. The family eventually purchased an 80 acre farm south of Laporte, Michigan where Scotty grew up tending animals and plowing fields. Scotty graduated from Midland High School in 1951 and went on to attend Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan), where he lived with his aunt and grandmother in Ypsilanti. Dad met a local girl, Shirley Regetz, also attending Normal College. They were married on July 16, 1955. The two moved to Midland where both were employed at Dow Chemical. They had three children, Robert K. in 1956, Cheryl L. in 1957, and Brian S. in 1958.
Father then went to work for Owens Corning Fiberglass and then International Pipe and Ceramics before deciding that what he really wanted to do, was become a teacher. In 1964 Dad went back to college at Michigan State and Central Michigan University to finish his degree in Biology and obtain his teaching certificate. He accomplished this while also working part time at Johnston’s Party Store and driving an early morning newspaper delivery route. In 1966 he started teaching Biology and Earth Science at Bay City Central High School. Dad continued his education while teaching, obtaining his Master’s degree in Biology. Dad worked several summers as a teaching associate at the Central Michigan University Biological Station on Beaver Island. He retired in 1992 after 26 years of teaching. Mom also retired that year.
The family enjoyed sailing together for over 20 years. Mom and Dad motor homed around the country for more than 25 years in retirement. They wintered in Mission, Texas living in their motor home. Dad enjoyed bird watching, playing with his dog, and tinkering with projects.
Scotty is survived by his children, Robert (Dianne Pruss) of Midland, Cheryl (Tim) Sturgeon of Beaverton, and Brian (with Diane Heinrich) of Sanford; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by sisters, Carolyn (George) Williams of Oahu, Hawaii and Judy King of Clinton, Michigan He is also survived by his beloved companion Corgi dog, Buddy.
Dad was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Shirley on July 2, 2022; his parents; parents-in-law; sister, Nancy Dent; brother-in-law, Duane Dent; and brother-in-law, Robert King.
Per Dad’s wishes no service will be held, please have a fond memory of him. Dad would have liked any memorial contributions to go to the Midland Humane Society or the Chippewa Nature Center. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
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