TOPEKA, Kan. – Milton L. Gilliland, 68, of Topeka, Kan., passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at University of Kansas Health System-St. Francis Campus, Topeka. He was born Aug. 3, 1954, the son of Frank Donald and Ina Lucille (Parker) Gilliland.

Milton grew up on a farm near Overbrook, Kan. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas and MBA from Baker University.

While attending KU, he met and married Rebecca “Becky” Eddy. They married on Nov. 10, 1979, in Merriam, Kan. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage.

Milton was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and bicycling. He was an avid animal lover and KU fan. Milton worked for St. Francis Hospital, and retired from human resources for the Veterans Administration.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Rebecca “Becky” Gilliland; two brothers, Darrel Gilliland (Susan) and Frank Gilliland (Betsy); two sisters, Amy Feitel (Tom) and Susan King (Michael); sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betsy” Suptic (Lareta Tabor); brothers-in-law, Randy Thatcher and James Jordan; and a loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Delton and Janet Gilliland; sister, Ina Beth Jordan; father and mother-in-law, James and Roberta Eddy; and sister-in-law, Deborah Thatcher.

Cremation has taken place. A Rite of Committal graveside inurnment service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Lyndon Cemetery, Lyndon, Kan.

Memorial contributions can be made in Milton’s memory to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604, and can be made and left with Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603, or see www.hhhstopeka.org. Condolences can be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.