William Shattuck Milnes, 94, went home to be with his Lord Sunday, August 30, 2026, passing away peacefully at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater, Michigan.
A visitation will be held at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
The Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Coldwater Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Barrett Lee. Burial of ashes will follow immediately in the St. Mark’s Memorial Garden Columbarium.
Born St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1932, to William Alfred and Marguerite (Shattuck) Milnes, Bill grew up in Coldwater and was a lifelong resident. After graduating from Coldwater High School in 1950, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1954.
He remained an avid Broncos fan, proudly following the university throughout the years and encouraging others to attend his beloved alma mater. After graduating from WMU, Bill served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Japan for 18 months following the Korean War.
Upon returning home, Bill worked for the family-owned Southern Michigan Grocer Company. He later joined the Branch County Road Commission, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 1997.
Bill was typically referred to as the kindest person many people had ever met. He lived his life as a true Gentle Man, guided by humility, genuine gratitude, and an extraordinary caring for others. He made a point to listen and to make others feel valued.
Bill was a devoted, lifelong member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, serving his church community in many ways over the decades. He was also active in the Coldwater community, serving on the Coldwater City Library Board, engaging as a member in the Coldwater Noon Rotary, and helping build homes with Branch County Habitat for Humanity.
June 20, 1959, Bill married Jean “Jeanie” Diane Baggerly, and always expressed how blessed he was to share 67 years of marriage with his beautiful wife. Bill was deeply grateful for the life they built together, their family, and the simple joy of gathering with family and friends at Coldwater Lake.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jeanie; his children, Mary Osborne of Coldwater, Beth Karney and her husband of Quincy, and Bill (Becky) Milnes of Coldwater; his Grandchildren Jacob (Kennedy) Osborne, Megan (Paul) Mainzinger, Andrew (Julia) Karney, Nathan (Bree) Karney, Gabrielle (Alex) Milnes, and Avery (Chris) Milnes; his Step-Grandchildren Quinn (Jaimie) McCrumb, Devin (Abi) McCrumb, and Shayli McCrumb; and his many great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Marguerite “Molly” VanStone; his sisters-in-law, Fae (Dale) Ewalt, Anita Milnes, JoAnn Dygert, and Rose Baggerly; his many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Milnes, his brothers-in-law, Lee VanStone, Dean Dygert, and James Baggerly, his parents-in-law Leon and Joyce Baggerly, and great-grandsons, Isaac Mainzinger and Holden McCrumb.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund.
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