Robert Horace ‘Bob’ Milner III, 93, of Hutchinson, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, at Hester Care Center-Wesley Towers, Hutchinson, KS. He was born April 4, 1930, in Chicago, IL, to Robert H. Milner II and Florence Velma (Franklin) Milner.
Bob was a 1948 graduate of Lyons Township High School, La Grange, IL. He received a Business Administration Degree, in 1952, from Knox College, Galesburg, IL, and was a member of the college’s Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and the ROTC program. Shortly after his college graduation, Bob was commissioned into the United States Army in August 1952. On April 11, 1953, Bob married Olive Ann Waggener, in La Grange, IL, and then he was sent to Korea to serve from July 1953 to May 1954. Upon his return from the service, Bob and Olive made their home in Galesburg, IL for a short time, before moving to Waterloo, IA., where he began working in sales for Rath Packing Company. Bob spent his adult life working in sales for various meat packing companies, ending up in Arkansas City, KS, where he retired in 1996. In 2007, Bob and Olive relocated to Hutchinson, KS, to be closer to family, where he resided until his death.
He was an active railroad fan and photographer from his teenage years, with many of his photos appearing in train-related publications. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling. During Bob’s lifetime, he was a member of various organizations, such as the Hutchinson Rotary Club, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, and the Burlington Route Historical Society. H was also a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Hutchinson, KS.
Bob is survived by: his children, Anne (Jack) Wilson, Robert (Jennifer) Milner IV, and Mary (Darrell) Pankratz; daughter-in-law, Lynne Milner; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great- grandchildren; and numerous other cherished relatives.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Olive Milner; son, John Milner; and grandson, Kyle Milner.
Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park Drive, Hutchinson, KS, with the Reverend Dr. J. Ted Blakley officiating. Burial will be 3 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Parker Cemetery, Arkansas City, KS. Military honors will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church, Hutchinson, KS, Trinity Episcopal Church, Arkansas City, or Burlington Route Historical Society, La Grange, IL, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory. 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.