Corporal Alfred W. Milligan, USMC, has been called to guard duty to the streets of heaven effective Sept. 4, 2026. He died after a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and T-cell lymphoma, complicated by his exposure to toxic chemicals while stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Alfred was born on Oct. 30, 1939, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to William Milligan and Pauline Light. He was the first of their eleven children. His early years spent on his mother's family farm imparted a life-long love of gardening.
He received his first degree in highway draftsmanship from the University of Pennsylvania, and drafted repairs on several renowned bridges, including the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River, by his future wife's hometown.
After a stint in the United States Marine Corps, he enrolled into California Polytechnic State University, which offered free tuition, and he received a master's degree in mathematics. Alfred continued his education at the University of Arizona where he received a Doctor of Philosophy, and also met and married Patricia Milligan (1942-2022) - his wife of 55 years.
The couple had a daughter, Kendra, and moved to Silver City, where Alfred was hired as a professor at Western New Mexico University (WNMU). The family put down their roots on a plot of land and homesteaded with a large garden, an orchard, and a cow they shared with longtime neighbors, the Peters Family.
With a coffee cup in hand, Alfred proceeded to carve out a reputation as an "outspoken individualist," according to an expose by Wayland Coker in The Mustang. For 25 years, he taught mathematics and the budding field of computer science with dry wit and world-weary humor.
In 1980, Alfred stood against a corrupt administration and delivered a community petition to the New Mexico Attorney General that called for the investigation of then WNMU President John Snedeker, which resulted in 11 felony convictions. For the next four decades, Alfred's investigations and research spotlighted political malfeasance, questionable financial decisions and outright corruption by public officials.
Alfred believed in accountability, equity and fairness. He advocated for pay raises for staff and faculty, protected student interests, hired the Mathematics' Department first woman professor, tirelessly needled the administration, and served as faculty liaison to the ASWNMU. In response, Alfred's colleagues appointed him as Chair of the Math and Computer Science Department, and later, the President of the Faculty Senate.
He led an adventurous life with multiple escapades including being held at gunpoint in Tanzania, nearly stabbed in a Morocco market, saved a man from drowning while scuba diving in Chuuk Lagoon, kissed Ireland's famed Blarney stone, and an incident with an Amazonian anaconda resulted in a family moratorium on reptile interactions.
He was a life-long jogger, an avid military historian, and a collector of military miniatures. He served as a colonel in the New Mexico State Defense, and he was promoted to Commander of the State's 2nd Brigade and Chief of Staff. Because of his years of military service, he will be entombed in the Fort Bayard National Cemetery with Patricia.
Most of all, Alfred was a beloved husband, father and grandfather committed to the happiness of his family, who are heartbroken by the loss of his presence in their lives.
Alfred is survived by his daughter Kendra Milligan; and his grandchildren: Cronn Chavez, Cayle Chavez, and Star Chavez; and his siblings: Rose Shell, Susie Milligan Giurbino, Linda Beardsley, Nancy Lesher, Robert Milligan, Barbara Crawford, Mary Milligan Balliet, and John Milligan. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Maher Milligan, his son James Milligan, and siblings: William Milligan and Bonnie Milligan.
Please join us at Alfred's Final Marching Club and his celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Silver Bowling Center, 2020 Memory Ln.
In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to the Silver City Gospel Mission and/or the High Desert Humane Society.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
