Jeff Millard

MORTON– Jeff A. Millard, 73, of Morton, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria.

He was born on October 17, 1949, in Peoria, to Frederick “Fritz” and Marlyn (Hannah) Millard. Jeff married Beth Ford on January 24, 1970, in East Peoria.

Surviving are his wife, Beth Millard of Morton; sons, Aaron Millard of Peoria and Tony (Amy) Millard of Oswego, Ill.; and three grandchildren, Avery Millard, Ashton Millard and Tinley Millard.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kristy Lopotko.

Jeff graduated in 1971 from Illinois State University with a bachelor of science degree and later received his master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University.

Jeff taught social studies at Pleasant Plains High School, where he was the varsity baseball coach from 1972 to 1977. He then moved to Morton, where he taught at Morton Jr. High School and coached baseball winning two IESA state championships. While at the jr. high, Jeff also coached basketball. He was an assistant Morton High School basketball coach from 1978 to 2008 with Norm Reiser and Steve Schupp. Jeff was an assistant Morton High School baseball coach from 1978 to 1994 with Mike McDonald and later became the varsity baseball coach in 2001 to 2012. After retiring from coaching in Morton, Jeff was an assistant varsity baseball coach at East Peoria High School with Matt Plummer for eight years, retiring in 2023.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton.

Memorials may be made to Morton Youth Baseball Association (MYBA). “Hum Babe”

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family or to view Jeff’s tribute video, visit www.knappjohnson.com.