Milen Suggs

SFC Milen “Milo” Thomas Suggs, a devoted and loving husband and father was born on  Wednesday, May 17, 1961 in Charleston, MO to the parentage of Milen Thomas Armstrong, Sr. and Carla Sue (Suggs) Williams and departed this earthly life and began his real celebration of life on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 63 years after an extended illness.

He was educated in the Charleston School System.  He devoted over 21 years to the US Army National Guard and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). He later retired after so many years of faithful and tireless service.  He had been employed for many years at the General Tire Company, which is now known as Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL, a company to which he dedicated much time and energy .  He enjoyed cooking so much he opened his own restaurant “Suggs Catering & BBQ.”  He also enjoyed spending time with his loved ones as well.  He loved the Lord and dedicated much of his time to Crossroads of Faith Christian Center in Centralia, and served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and on the Deacon Board under the pastorate of Bishop Michael Bryant.

In 1986 he moved to the City of Centralia, IL.  He was the epitome and so lived out the words of Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes, “whatsoever your hand finds to do, do with thy might.”  This was Milo.  He dedicated his life to being busy, when he was not taking care of his family, which he did at all times, he found himself busy with his hobbies of cooking and caring for the needs and welfare of others.

On September 15, 1989 in the city of Carlyle, IL he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Linda Smith.  This union remained strong for over 35 years.

Left to cherish his memories, besides his wife Linda, are his children: Carlos (Amanda) Smith of Centralia, IL, Larnelle Suggs, of Centralia, IL, Milen Suggs, Jr. of Yazoo, Mississippi, Bryon Suggs of Mt. Vernon, IL, Tionsha (Wes) Hollon of Carbondale, IL and Thomas Suggs of Carbondale, IL; a host of grandchildren; 2 brothers, Miron (Lawanda) Taylor of Kansas City, MO and Reggie (Rebecca) Suggs of Mt. Vernon, IL;  a sister, Deborah Bodley, and other extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milen Armstrong and Carla Sue (Suggs) Williams (September 20, 2024); a son, Torrie Johnson, and a brother, Andre Suggs.

Friends may call Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri with Minister Veronica Dunigan officiating and Pastor Micheal Bryant of Crossroads of Faith Christian Center eulogizing. Interment will immediately follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with full military honors. The Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.