Joseph Walter Milligan, 77, of Warrensburg, Missouri, died Thursday, June 25, at Ridge Crest Nursing Center in Warrensburg.

He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Debbie (Goodall) Milligan; his daughter, Cathy (Milligan) Tenderholt and her wife, Missy Heidinger, of Fargo, North Dakota; two grandsons, Alex and Jordan; and two granddaughters, Brittany and Mariah  all of Fargo.

He was the only child born to Walter and Helen Milligan who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Fairy Shaw; brother-in-law, Harold Goodall; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Gillum.

He and his wife were married on Feb. 10, 1976, in Warrensburg. They moved to and lived in Kansas where they had their daughter in December 1978. In 1979, they moved to Holden, Missouri, where they resided until 1995. They bought their first home together and moved to Centerview where they lived until 2006, at which time they sold their home and moved to Warrensburg and lived together until the present.

He had many interests and passions, including gardening. He had a garden every summer that became an obsession to him. He even did this at the apartments as well. He had a train set up in his garage that he would actually watch or just listen to while he was working on various projects. He worked in maintenance at Shawnee Mission HS in Kansas for many years. He taught ice skating classes. He worked in construction building the Lexington bridge. He was an avid member of the Assembly of God Church in Knob Noster for many years where he made great friends with many of the congregation.

Graveside services were Wednesday, July 1 at the Centerview Cemetery with Pastor Frank Presenzano of New Life Outreach officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg. Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.