Ronald L. Milligan

Ronald L. Milligan passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on March 16, 2017, in Edwardsville, Ill. Born on January 7, 1944, in Alton, Ill., Ron was 73.

Ron lived a happy, fulfilling life. He married his long-time friend and love of his life, Joyce, nee Schillinger, Milligan on March 26, 1966. Together they had 2 children, Jennie Fuller of Edwardsville and Jill (Chris) Gocal also of Edwardsville. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Lauren Ufert, Zach Ufert, and Chloe Fuller all of Edwardsville. As a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, Ron shared many fond memories with those around him.

Ron was an outstanding athlete at East Alton Wood River High School 1958 to 1962, playing basketball, football, and baseball for the Oilers and receiving the All-State Shortstop honors. After graduating with an accounting degree from SIUE, Ron valiantly served in the U.S. Air Force reserves for six years. Ron was also a life-long, active member of Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church in Wood River, IL, where he served as a Deacon, Finance Chairman for many years, and Sunday School Teacher for 50 years. Ron''s later life passion was golf. Countless hours were spent on the links with Joyce and good friends.

In 1995 Ron retired from Christian Health Services (now BJC HealthCare) after 23 years of dedicated service. He served in many roles during his tenure with Christian Health Services where he worked his way up to Chief Financial Officer and eventually played an instrumental role in the formation of the BJC Healthcare Corporation. Ron was a very dedicated man that had the drive and passion for negotiating and creating contracts that provided a win-win for all involved. He served on numerous boards including; Christian Hospital, Christian Health Services, Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation, Alton Memorial Hospital, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville School of Business, and River Bend Family Ministries. He also served as President and as a Board Member on; Missouri Hospital Financial Association, and Sunset Hills Country Club, Edwardsville, IL. He was best known to his former boss for his belief in God first, family second, and job third.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Mary Louise, nee Logdon, Milligan; infant sister, Connie Sue Milligan. His wife, children and grandchildren all survive him.

Memorials made in memory of Ronald may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church, Wood River, Ill., or the Alzheimer''s Association and can be received at Sunset Hill Funeral Home. Condolences to the family can be expressed through this online guestbook.

Visitation: Friends may visit with the family to celebrate a life well lived from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2017, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home, Glen Carbon, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Newcom officiating. Burial to follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, Ill.

Sunset Hill Funeral Home
Glen Carbon, Ill.