Milford Hoaglen

November 4, 1934 - December 27, 2016

MILFORD DEAN HOAGLEN "BILKO", 82 of Grant, passed away December 27, 2016 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant. Milford was born November 4, 1934 on the family farm near Vernon, Colorado to Ivan Everett and Eva La Veta (Stuteville) Hoaglen. He graduated from Wray High School with the class of 1953. Milford moved to Grant in 1954 to work as an Auto Body Repairman at Bullock Chevrolet. On October 2, 1955, Milford married Margy Ann (Kerl) in Wray, Colorado. The couple made their home in Grant and were blessed with a daughter, Dana. Milford opened his own Auto Body Repair shop in 1957, and operated that business for nearly 20 years when the opportunity to expand into welding and fabrication arose. It was in this business that Milford found his true calling and passion. Milford loved to work in fabrication and had an exacting eye for detail and design. He set to work on a hay bailing machine that was already in the shop at the time he took over, and he never looked back. He also became a dealer for Haybuster Tub Grinders and Hay Bale Processors. Milford even custom designed his own Hydraulic Grain Drill Transports and Field Hitch Systems, which he held a US Patent on. His business, M & M Manufacturing Incorporated, was largely successful due to his hard work ethic and reputation for quality. Milford had a hard time giving up his work, but gradually stepped away after being in business for 52 years. When Milford wasn't at work he enjoyed spending time with his family. His two grandchildren were the light of his life, and he enjoyed showering them with affection. As a result of a stroke a few months ago, Milford entered Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant. Milford was preceded in death by his parents, along with his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon (Norman) Brown. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Margy Hoaglen of Grant; daughter, Dana Smith of Loveland, CO; twin grandchildren, Hope and Austin Smith of Ft. Collins, CO; sister, Linda Dowless of Las Cruces, NM; aunt, Helen Jones of Denver, CO; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in Milford's memory for later designation by the family. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Services will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 3pm at Westview Retirement Community, located at 1 Westview Drive, Grant, NE, with John Long officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.