Paul J. "Joe" Milchman (90) of Effingham

Paul Junior "Joe" Milchman 90 of Effingham passed away on Monday January 11, 2021 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon IL.

Visitation will be Saturday January 23, 2021 from 2:00 - 4:00, with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 p.m. at New Life United Pentecostal Church, 211 N. 4th St., Effingham IL. Cremation rites were accorded per Paul's wishes and burial will take place at a later date at Stewardson Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.

Paul was born January 26, 1930 in Windsor IL to Paul F. and Bernadine (Burkhart) Milchman. He married Marjorie E. Colclasure on August 8, 1953 in Holly Springs, MS.

Paul is survived by his spouse Margie and daughter Paula (Matt) Jones. Grandchildren Justin Milchman, Paul Jones (fiancee Madi Boerngen) and Mark Jones all of Effingham, IL. Zabrina Robison of Del Rio, TN, Tina (Carl) Dodson of Salem IL, John (Tracey) Robison of Altamont, IL and 5 great-grandchildren.

Paul graduated from Stewardson High school in 1948. He played baseball and basketball all four years. Paul loved sports and passed this love on to his grandsons. He attended every baseball, basketball or fast pitch softball game that he could. He enjoyed attending the IL State Tournament Basketball games for years. Paul was a referee and umpire for 25 years. His biggest thrill was umpiring at the Babe Ruth National Playoffs and refereeing a Harlem Globetrotters game. Paul was known in the area for attending the National Trail Conference Tournament for 48 straight years without missing one game. He also celebrated his birthday at the tournament for the last several years. This would have been his 49th year to attend the NTC and he was concerned while he was in the hospital and the nursing home if he would get his black chair seats for the tournament this year. In 2012, he was recognized with the Tom Bryant Memorial Friend of the Game award.

Paul worked for Illinois Central Railroad for 35 years and also at Star Service Station.

Paul loved feeding the birds and squirrels, gardening, sitting with his dog Shelby in the swing, watching sports on TV and visiting with anyone. He had a fantastic memory and could tell all kinds of stories about sports, people he knew and family history like no one else. He was proud of his family and didn't hesitate to let others know how proud he was of his family.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, son Roger Milchman, sister Ava Jean Milchman and his best dog friend Shelby.