David Tuthill Milliken's Obituary
David Tuthill Milliken, 82, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on April 3, 1943, in Huntington, New York, David was the youngest child of Ernest Asa Barker Milliken and Florence Young (Tuthill) Milliken.
David grew up in Huntington and graduated from Huntington High School before answering the call to serve his country. On August 23, 1961, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in the weather squadron for six years until August 22, 1967. His time in the Air Force shaped much of his life—most importantly, it led him to the love of his life, Joy Deane Raper, whom he met on a blind date while stationed at Tinker Air Force Base.
David and Joy were married on July 19, 1967, in Claremore, Oklahoma, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, adventure, and deep family love. Shortly after marrying, they moved to New York, where David began his career with Singer Business Machines. Their family grew with the birth of their son, David DeWitt, on June 18, 1969, and their daughter, Danielle Joy, on December 25, 1971, a Christmas blessing they cherished.
David’s career with Singer—and later Friden Alcatel after corporate mergers—took the family to Northern California, where they lived first in Dublin and later in San Ramon. While working in Oakland and then Hayward, David built a reputation as a skilled, reliable, and forward‑thinking technician. His expertise eventually led him to a remarkable opportunity: traveling to Barcelona, Spain, to help set up computer systems for the 1992 Summer Olympics, where Friden Alcatel served as an official sponsor.
Family and community were at the center of David’s life. In San Ramon, he spent seven years coaching Danielle’s soccer teams and continued playing adult soccer well into his mid‑to‑late 50s. When he wasn’t on the field, he was cheering from the sidelines or watching matches on TV, especially when his son David played.
Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made during their years in California. David loved taking Joy and the kids to the beach at Half Moon Bay, where they spent countless days walking the shoreline and enjoying the ocean air. He also delighted in family road trips across the country, turning long drives into adventures filled with stories, laughter, and discovery. At home, he could often be found in the front yard playing soccer with David and Danielle, creating moments they would carry with them for a lifetime.
David was also deeply involved in Grace United Methodist Church in San Ramon, where he served faithfully and contributed his time to the board of the church’s day care, Joyful Noise Preschool.
Curious, inventive, and endlessly knowledgeable, David had a passion for history, gardening, and technology. Long before smart homes were common, he wired his own house with an early, self‑built system, just one example of his lifelong love of learning and tinkering. He was also an avid walker, logging miles every day and greeting neighbors along the way.
David’s life was defined by service, love, and quiet brilliance. He will be remembered for his gentle humor, his devotion to his family, and the steady, thoughtful presence he brought to every room.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joy Deane Milliken; his sister, Ruth Ann Wiegand; his son, David D. Milliken and wife Debbie; and his daughter, Danielle J. Carpenter.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Devon and wife Brittany, Niel, Chris and wife Aiden, Triston and wife Grace, Brady, Melia, Noah, Rachel and husband Matthew, Kyle, and Tearia.
David leaves behind great‑grandchildren Anna, Barrett, Wesson, Blake, Noah, Landon, Caden, Ike, and Maxine, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, great‑nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Florence Milliken; his sister, Clara Seaton; his brother, Ernest Milliken; his sister‑in‑law, Marjorie Milliken; and his brother‑in‑law, John Seaton.
Visitation Saturday, April 4, 2026 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Floral Haven Funeral Home
Graveside Service Monday, April 6, 2026 10:00 AM Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Oklahoma
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