Erwin Lance Milne

Erwin Lance Milne, age 66 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at Adams Street Place, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes. He was a warrior to the very end. He was born on October 7, 1949, in St. Joseph, Mo., the son of Billy Maurice and Irene Virginia (Anderson) Milne. He was married on April 2, 1983, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Jennifer Czarlinsky. A resident of the central Missouri area for the majority of his life, Erwin was a 1967 graduate of South Holt High School in Oregon, Mo. He graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics in 1971 and later received his Juris Doctorate (also from the University of Missouri in Columbia) in 1974. While at the University of Missouri, he was a member of Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta Scholastic Honorary Fraternities, and was named to the University's Who's Who in 1971. Erwin was appointed to the Missouri Bar Association on September 7, 1974. In September of 1974, he also began practicing law in the law firm of Stockard, Andereck, Hauck, Pickett, and Sharp, based in Trenton, Missouri. In 1980, he became a partner in the law firm and moved from Trenton to Jefferson City, eventually becoming the senior partner of the Andereck, Evans & Milne Law Firm, which is located in the historic Marmaduke House on East Capitol Street. Because of his ill health, he retired from the firm in 2009, and remained of counsel. Erwin was active within his profession and was a member and officer in the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association as well as the Cole County Bar Association. Erwin loved the law. He always claimed that being an attorney was one of the very few careers in which you get paid to argue, and he enjoyed the competition of matching wits to achieve justice. Erwin had a strong faith and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was a longtime usher, served on many boards and committees, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, worked in the food pantry, and drove the van for many years, often taking flowers and small "tokens" to his "ladies." He received the training for and became a Stephen's Minister and was honored by and grateful for the opportunity. Erwin truly lived his life giving to others and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was extremely proud to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout when he was younger and was involved with the Boys Scouts his entire life. He was honored to be able to attend and participate in the World Jamboree in 1967. As an adult, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Great Rivers Council and participated in the Boy Scout Lewis and Clark Camporee in 2004. Erwin was an avid outdoorsman and hunter who found great beauty and contentment in nature. His fondest memories were deer hunting with his father, brother, nephew, and eventually his daughter at the family farm in Oregon, Missouri. In later years, he spent many happy days hunting on the farm of his dear friends, Becky and Bill Ambrose. Erwin was also an accomplished athlete who enjoyed playing in a softball league every summer and on various basketball teams throughout the year. Erwin was, quite possibly, one of the Missouri Tigers' greatest fans. His home, his law office, and even his room in the nursing home were all adorned with Missouri Tiger memorabilia that he had collected throughout his life. In his seven years at Missouri University in Columbia, he only missed one game---in football or basketball. He truly breathed black and gold. Survivors include his loving wife of 32 years, Jennifer Milne; three daughters: Betsy Dudenhoeffer of Kansas City, Mo., Jordan Milne and her partner Dave Faron of Columbia, Mo., and Brendan Milne of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Arlen Milne and his wife Diana of Kansas City, Mo.; one sister, Charla Cathcart and her husband Jimmy of Kansas City, Mo.; and six grandchildren, Hayden Miller, Jackson Dudenhoeffer, Benjamin Dudenhoeffer, Bruno Puleo, Sophia Fine, and Henry Fine. A seventh grandchild is expected in July. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Cal Fine, on July 29, 2010. Visitation will held at the First United Methodist Church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2016. A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Daniel Hilty officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com