Obituary: David F. Mulliken

David F. Mulliken peacefully died on Jan. 20, 2017, one day shy of his 98th birthday. David was born in Champaign, Illinois to Albert and Grace Pearl Mulliken. He attended University High School in Urbana and graduated from the University of Illinois. His education at the University of Illinois was interrupted when he was drafted into the army during his junior year. David had been taking ROTC at the school, and because of this was drafted to serve in Panama, along the canal, moving ordinance with donkeys over the rough terrain. He was given this assignment because he played polo at the U of I and was able to ride horses, hopefully donkeys too.   He spent time in Belgium and Germany two weeks after D-Day, returning after the war was declared over and won by the Allied Forces. David and his two brothers, Albert and Wallace were also in the Army during World War II, and the family was fortunate to have all three brothers survive. David continued with his service in the Army, serving in Korea, Japan, Washington D. C., France, and Chambersburg, Pa. He retired after 22 years. He had a second career at the University of Illinois in the Civil Engineering Department. Upon retirement from the U. of I., David took up watch and clock repair, studying at Parkland College in Champaign. After mastering all the classes at the school, he took a 6 month workshop in Neufchatel, Switzerland with other master watch makers. David was an avid swimmer, and gained great respect in the Master Swim program. He also liked to build boats, one of which was built in the living room of the family house in Washington D. C.

Before David left for Panama, he married his high school sweetheart, Emily L. Ruth from Urbana. Emily passed away in 1988. He is survived by his son Hugh & Alicia (Wilson) Mulliken, daughter Amanda (De Witt) Mulliken, three granddaughters, two grandsons, and three great grandchildren.

David had a wonderful life doing what he liked without hurting others. He had few demands in terms of material wealth and truly mastered the art of zen without know what zen is. A man of few demands he excelled in many things during his life, enjoying every minute to its fullest.