David W. Milliken
David W. Milliken, 83, of Frankfort, passes away Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton Fla.
He was born Feb. 27, 1941, in Chillicothe, a son of the late Carl “Bill” and Ruth Evelyn Jennings Milliken.
On Oct. 28, 1960, he married the former Judith Ann Michael, who survives.
Dave was a 1959 graduate of Chillicothe High School and was an 8-year member of the United States Army Reserves. Dave was an entrepreneur and civil servant many times over, purchasing the Frankfort Dairy Cone in 1968, and the Frankfort Corner Restaurant. He and Judy additionally owned Mitch’s Restaurant, Chillicothe. Dave owned and operated D&J Construction with his sons. Dave was a bus driver for 33 years for Adena Local Schools. He served as Concord Township trustee for over 30 years.
He was an inaugural member of the Concord Township Emergency Services. He was a founding member of the Frankfort Lions Club. He was a member of the Joseph Ellsworth White Post 483 Frankfort American Legion, the Clan 8 Hillbilly Shriners, the Concord Township Fire Department, Frankfort Masonic Lodge 309 Free & Accepted Masons, the Frankfort Historical Society, and the Ohio Restaurant Association. Dave and Judy served as Chillicothe Paints host parents for more than 30 years. Dave loved the Cincinnati Reds, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Chillicothe Paints, and was a fan of country music. Dave enjoyed driving his 1931 model A in Shriners’ Hillbilly parades. Since retirement, Dave and Judy enjoyed wintering at Tropic Isle Park, Palmetto, Fla. and have many friends from around the country. He and Judy enjoyed traveling, especially with his Shriner family. Dave attended Walnut Street Church and most recently Freedom Ministries, Frankfort.
In addition to his devoted wife, Dave is survived by four children, John (Helen) Milliken, Dana (Nick) Anderson, Susan (Tom) Sommers and James (Kathleen) Milliken, all of Frankfort; grandchildren, Zach (Chris) Schaaf, Cassie (Andrew) Stout, Nickilas (Taylor) Anderson, Fletcher Anderson, Brody Anderson, Morgan (Conner) Anderson, Tommy Sommers, Jamie Uhrig, Leah (John) Martin, and Dustin (Melody) Martin; numerous great-grandchildren; two brother, P.J. (Chris) Milliken of Frankfort and Russ (Barb) Milliken of Chillicothe; sisters-in-law, Janet (Phil) Post of Lebanon, Anne McGowan of Frankfort and Jenn Michael of Lebanon; brother-in-law, Tom Michael of Waynesville; special friend, Leonard Hoppes; and many cousins and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a grandson, Payden Sommers; and one sister, Sharon Seekatz.
A funeral service for Dave will be held Friday in the Ebright Funeral Home, Frankfort, with Dan Bennett officiating, immediately following a Masonic Service, to begin at 6 p.m. Friends are encouraged to visit with Dave’s family on Friday at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the start of the Masonic service at 6 p.m. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family, in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort.
In keeping with Dave’s great love of sports, his family encourages those attending wear sports attire. Memorials may be made to the Clan 8 Hillbilly Shriners, c/o Kenny & Tammy Neal, 720 W. Emmitt Ave., Waverly 45690. Those wishing to sign Dave’s online register may do so at www.ebrightfuneralhome.com.