Jack W. Milton
It is with great sadness that the family of Jack Wayne Milton announces his passing on Oct. 20, 2019, at the age of 75.
Jack will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Norma Crocker Milton, and his sister, Cynthia Milton, both of Austin, Texas; his brother, Timothy and wife Julie, of Purcell, Okla. Other family members include niece and nephews, Sara Biggs, Matthew Boyer and Tyler Milton; and cousins, Mary Susan Armenia and Terry Crocker.
Jack was predeceased by his father, George Wayne Milton; and his beloved dog, Honey.
Jack will be fondly remembered by cherished friends living in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi.
Jack was born in Arkansas on July 27, 1944. He grew up in Sherman, Texas, and Ocean Springs, Miss. Jack graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1963 where he excelled in football. After high school, he received a football scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana State University in Hammond, La., where he attended college and played ball.
Jack enlisted in the military after college and served in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Kobbe, he served as Fire Team leader and Machine-gun Squad leader, earning a Certificate of Achievement award for leading his men and establishing the brigade and battalion as exemplary. During the Vietnam Conflict, he earned the Parachutist Badge while in the Rangers. He was an expert marksman, earning the Expert Badge M-16, Marksman Hand Grenade, Expert Infantry and Army Service Ribbon. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with 1 Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, along with the Overseas Service Ribbon. While serving as a Specialist Four, he received a citation from the Department of the Army, the Army Commendation Medal for his distinguished meritorious service in support of military operations against Communist aggression in the Republic of Vietnam. His commendable performance was in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects distinct credit upon himself and the United States Army. After exiting the military, Jack worked as a land surveyor in Sherman and as a water treatment specialist in Denison and retired to Hot Springs three years ago.
A military graveside service in memory of Jack will be held at the VA Cemetery in Little Rock at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25. Arrangements are being coordinated by Gross Funeral Home, with Pastor Matthew Stevenson officiating.
Honorary pallbearers include members of the Arkansas Honor Ride.
Memorial donations in memory of Sgt. Jack W. Milton may be made to the Arkansas Honor Ride, 301 Lakeside Road, Hot Springs, AR 71901, or http://www.arkansashonorride.org.