Donald Edison Milliken, 103

Donald (Don) Edison Milliken, 103, peacefully went to be with the Lord on April 21, 2023.

Don was born in Spokane, Wash., a New Year's baby, Jan. 1, 1920, to Mary Luella (White) and Luther D. Milliken.

Don graduated from Riverside High School in Spokane in 1937 and briefly attended Washington State University, intending to play football, but soon realized that it wouldn't be his path because he didn't like school!

He was drafted into the Army and sent to New York, but got a deferment because he was needed on the family farm. He eventually attended and graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane. He started working at Burlington Northern Railroad as a way master and worked there for 32 years, retiring at age 65.

In 1961, he married Rosella E. (Andersen) Milliken and gained an instant family. He became stepdad to a daughter and grandpa to three little ones.

Don loved photography and had professional equipment. He took studio-quality pictures of his grandkids and even had a darkroom for developing.

While he continued to work at the railroad, he started milking cows and selling raw milk to neighbors. He enjoyed it very much and was so generous with his knowledge of cows and farming, helping out his neighbors whenever they needed a hand.

He used to say for fun he traveled and took pictures, but now it's just cows!

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Rosella, four brothers, three sisters and his great-grandson.

He is survived by his stepdaughter, June Moriarty (Dennis), granddaughters Vicki Titus (Terry), Julie Snider, Becky Latt (Kurt) and grandson Jim DeVane (Jamie) as well as six great grandkids, six great-great grandkids and one great-great-great-grandson as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

We were all so blessed to have him for 103 years and we will honor him with a graveside service May 18, 2023, 2:30 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Park.