MILAN, Thomas

Black's Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona Thomas Milan (January 28, 1924 - August 29, 2010) It is with great sadness that we announce that Thomas Milan passed away quietly in his sleep on September 29, 2010 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife Byrdie in 2003. Thomas leaves behind many loving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren along with many other family members and friends. Thomas served proudly and honorably in the United States Navy from 1945-1946 where he served in the Asiatic Pacific, America and Japan. He was a Seaman First Class and served as an aid to a General where he traveled extensively. He remained a staunch patriot his whole life and remembered his service with reverence. He and his wife Byrdie were loving foster parents to more than twenty children who needed a warm home and safe place to live. They also adopted four children to whom they were devoted. Thomas was a certified lumber grader and worked many years in the lumber industry in Arizona. He placed an high value on education. He also had many interests ranging from sports to music, movies to travel and great food. He loved the free spirit of children and the companionship of good friends. He was a wise man, holding his faith close to him. He regularly attended church and participated in church activities. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Services will be held in Show Low, Arizona for immediate family on Saturday, September 4, 2010. He will be interred next to his wife Byrdie in the family site at Springerville Cemetery. If you would care to send a remembrance, please donate to your favorite charity.