Bruce Eno Milnes

Beloved husband, father, pappy, brother, passed away on June 15, 2024 at home with his family by his side. He was born on March 16, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan to Forrest and Mabel (Sever) Milnes. Bruce’s father passed away in 1942. Mabel married Dorian Baggerly in 1948. After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1956, he met and married Darla Ughetti on October 19, 1958. They celebrated 66 years together and raised two sons.

Bruce dedicated 35 years of his life to working at Clark Equipment here in Battle Creek and in Lexington, Kentucky where he retired. Prior to his career at Clark, Bruce served in the United States Air National Guard as a military police officer. Outside of work, Bruce had a passion for coaching little league baseball for his son and grandson for many years. He also was an avid fan of following his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren sporting events. Bruce was active in the American Bowling Assoc. from 1960 until 2020. He served as one of the past presidents for the league and was very instrumental in starting Bantom and Junior bowlers’ programs in Battle Creek teaching children and teens proper techniques of bowling. He was inducted into the BCUSBC Hall of Fame in 1987. Bruce was also very involved in the Clark Credit Union/Omni Credit Union serving on the board for many years. He was an avid NASCAR fan and MSU football fan. “Pappy” enjoyed taking his great-granddaughters often to get Coke slushy’s and was adamant about buying them one.

 Bruce leaves behind a loving family and cherished friends. He is survived by his wife Darla, his sons Bruce II (Krista) Milnes of Battle Creek, Michigan, Jeffrey (Bridgette) Milnes of Caledonia, Michigan, his grandchildren Bruce Milnes III (Trae), Hanna (Kale) Alexander and Clay Milnes, his great-grandchildren, Addisyn, Aubree, Parker, Gage and Sawyer. They brought much joy to his life, his brother Forrest (Scharlet) Milnes, sister Jayne (Ron) Cook, his brother Jim (Pat) Baggerly and many nieces and nephews, and special cousin Charles (Sue) Baggerly.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents.

Bruce Milnes will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His dedication to his family and friends serves as a testament to the kind-hearted person he was. 

There will be no services or celebration of life at the request of Bruce and Darla until they are both together again.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service of Battle Creek. To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com