John F. Milam, 86, of Du Quoin, passed away at 6:00 A.M., Saturday, October 1, 2022 at his residence.
He was a retired coal miner, last working for Consolidated Coal Co. Rend Lake Mine in Sesser, Illinois. John was a United States Navy Veteran serving from 1955 - 1959. He was a member of the UMWA and the Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin. John was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed a game on TV.
He was born June 12, 1936 in Du Quoin, IL, the son of William R. and Lila (Digman) Milam.
John married Frances Valier on October 19, 1962 at the Paradise Baptist Church in Tamaroa, IL, and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one daughter - Elaine Kirchner of Du Quoin, one son - Robert Milam and wife Sheree of Ft. Branch, IN, eight grandchildren - Andrew Hayes of Du Quoin, Timia Ellis and husband William, III of Mt. Carmel, Jeanellen Grant and significant other Jacob Schenimann of Cape Girardeau, Coy Kirchner of Centralia, Jonathan Milam of Ft. Branch, IN, Stanton Milam of Ft. Branch, IN, Calleigh Kirchner of Du Quoin, and Nevaeh Kirchner of Du Quoin, eight great grandchildren - Alexis, Ava, Jace, Weston, Steven, Zayen, Ruby, and Kryton, one brother - Ben Milam and wife Bonnie of Marissa, special friend - Jim Farmer of Pinckneyville, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother - William Roy "Bud" Milam, and three sisters - June Armando, Norma Nurnberger, and Mary Ann Shafer.
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Friends may call from 4 - 7 P.M., Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Navy.
Burial will be in the Paradise Cemetery in Tamaroa.
Friends may make memorials to Second Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Paradise Cemetery (Mail to Steven Hitt, 3808 Hitt Rd. Tamaroa, IL 62888) and will be accepted at the funeral home.