John Louis Milliken, 81, of Stafford passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

John graduated from Ordway High School in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He enlisted in the Navy in 1959. He served aboard the USS DeHaven DD-727 in 1963 as a PN2 and retired in 1989 as Navy Command Chief Petty Officer.

John earned an Associate Degree from Virginia Beach Community College, Bachelors Degree from the University of Maryland, and a Masters Degree from Chapman University. He worked as a civilian for the US Army with First Personnel Command in Heidelberg, Germany then returned to the USA in 2001 as the Director of the Military Support Office at Fort A P Hill. In total John served on 9 ships, 2 aircraft squadrons, and 4 major shore commands. He worked for the US Army in the Civil Service for 20 years until his retirement.

John was an avid reader, stamp collector, gardener, and a wrestling fan. He was an active member of the USS DeHaven Sailors Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Tincan Sailor Association, The United States Navy Memorial, AARP, AMAC, The American Philatelist Society, Warrenton Coin and Stamp Club, and was a Master Mason of the Edward Cann Daylight Lodge in Fredericksburg. He was a distinguished Toastmaster, made the Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and has been to all continents except Antarctica.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Yolanda Milliken; children Charlene Milliken and Bridgette Haenichen; grandchildren Dexter Haenichen, Drake Haenichen, Christopher Butler, and Jonathan Butler; brother George Albert Milliken; and sister-in-law Diana Butler.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John Trumble Milliken and Mary Minerva Cook.