Obituaries

November 17, 2010
Obituaries

L. D. “Red” Milam

L. D. “Red” Milam, 92 of Republic, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Manor Care in Springfield of a long-term illness. L. D. was born October 29, 1918 in Lowes Creek, Arkansas, the son of Lorenzo Dow and Dovie Milam.

Growing up during the depression, he joined the CCC and served in Cass, AR, where met several lifelong friends. After his service and with WWII looming he traveled to California intending to join the military, but a medical condition kept him from being accepted so he worked in Port Hueneme as a longshoreman and part time as a ranch hand.

After the war he went to work full time in Santa Paula at the Thorpe ranch. He was employed at the same ranch, which was later owned by A. J. West, for 47 years and managed the ranch from 1960 until his retirement. He took great pride in his career, developing several properties in Santa Paula, Bardsdale and Fillmore into productive lemon and avocado orchards. He stayed on the ranch until deciding to move to Missouri in 2004 after being there over sixty years.

In 1947 he met and married Patricia Deardorff of Baker, Oregon. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.

He attended the United Methodist Church in Santa Paula for most of his adult life, and had a lifelong interest in photography; he even transitioned to digital pictures as the times changed. He loved his WebTV, which kept him up to date with weather, news, and daily emails from friends who loved to send him the latest jokes.

L. D. is survived by his wife Patricia Milam; son Terry Milam and his wife Kim of Republic, MO; grandsons Justin and his wife Jen, Corey, and Jacob Milam, all of Springfield, MO, and his great-granddaughter Alexis; sister-in-law Darlene Miller; nephews Jerry Milam and his wife Cheryl, Dean Julian and his wife Lolita, and Randy Belucci; nieces Dana Blank and Lori Sanders and her husband Bob; and other friends and family in Arkansas, California and Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leon, infant brother and sister, and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Meadors Funeral home in Republic, Missouri Saturday, November 13th at 2 p.m., service by Rev Don Anderson of the Republic Freewill Baptist Church.

 

Douglas Rea Armstrong

Douglas Rea Armstrong of Ventura passed away peacefully on November 9, 2010. He died after a 17-month battle with glioblastoma.

Doug was born February 25, 1942 in Ventura, California during the blackout. Doug was the son of Rea and Velma Armstrong and grew up in Santa Paula. He graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1959. He went on to UCLA, where he earned a degree in economics in 1963. He served in the Army Reserves for six years. In 1993 he obtained his masters in education, and in 2001 he earned his administrative credential.

Doug and his wife Judy were married in 1969 and moved to Ventura in 1972, where they raised their son, Dale. Doug worked for the Santa Paula Elementary School District for 39 years as a teacher and principal. He also helped manage OK Liquor in Santa Paula with his in-laws. He retired from education in 2003, and worked at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura as a gym attendant until declining health restricted his activity.

Doug was an avid golfer. He enjoyed many different hobbies, including beer stein collecting, trapshooting, gardening, sports card collecting, kettlebell training with his son, and scaring people with his missing finger. He was an inspiration and positive role model for countless students, fellow colleagues, and friends. He was an eternal optimist to the end of his life.

Doug is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Dale; and his sister, Cheryl.

The family wishes to thank all of their friends, the UCLA Medical Center staff, Dr. Gary Deutsch, Dr. Lynn Kong, and The Palms at Bonaventure staff for their care and consideration of Doug and his family over the last 17 months. There will be a private burial at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be donated in Doug’s honor to your favorite charity or high school athletic program.





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