Richard L. Milburn - Desoto

Richard L. Milburn, 60, of DeSoto, Iowa, died Thursday, July 16, 2015 from complications of a stroke at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, July 23, 2015, at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel, Iowa with Pastor Doug Amis officiating. The body has been cremated with the cremains being interred with military honors at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. Richard was born on July 10, 1955, in Newton, Iowa to Don and Joan (Grosvenor) Milburn. He graduated from Grinnell High School in 1973, earned an associate degree at Waldorf College in 1975, and a bachelor's degree in Industrial Education at Iowa State University in 1977. He met his wife Colleen Ann Runyan at Iowa State and they were married on August 12, 1978 in Grinnell, Iowa. Both resided in DeSoto for over 30 years. Upon graduation Richard began teaching Industrial Arts at Dexfield High School. He left teaching in 1988 to join the Iowa Air National Guard and became a highly regarded avionics technician. He retired in May of 2012 as a Senior Master Sergeant having garnered several awards and accomplishments. After retirement he continued his passion of teaching Industrial Arts at Woodward-Granger Schools. Richard was a jack-of-all-trades, had a great sense of humor, a passion for flying his Nieuport 17 and was an avid reader. Richard is survived by his parents, Don and Joan Milburn of Grinnell; wife, Colleen Milburn of DeSoto; children, Andrew Milburn of Boone, Ryan Milburn of Waukee, and Mallory (Matt) Gaul of Sioux City; brothers, Dave (Penny) Milburn of Johnston and John Milburn of Des Moines; and grandchildren, Riley Milburn, Harrison Gaul, and Hannah Gaul. Family will receive friends Wednesday, July 22, from 5 to 8 PM at McCalley Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to his family for a future designation. Funeral arrangements are being handled by McCalley Funeral Home in Adel. Online condolences may be left at this site. "Some people go through life chasing their dreams, but I was living mine." Service: 11:00 AM Thursday July 23, 2015 McCalley Funeral Home Adel, Iowa Visitation: Family will greet friends Wednesday, July 22nd from 5 to 8 PM McCalley Funeral Home Adel, Iowa