St. Clair County Obits

REV. MILAN GROVER BOURLAND

Clinton Daily Democrat
1 June 2006
Milan Grover Bourland, oldest son of Grover Green Bourland and Pauline Nera Clanin Bourland, was born near Osceola on February 9, 1928 and received spiritual promotion to the presence of the Lord May 27, 2006 at the age of 78 years, three months and 18 days.
On September 23, 1949 Milan married the girl who not only won all the races, but also knew how to jump the rope at the finish line, Vera Lorene Reasoner.
To this union four sons were born, James and wife Jo Ann of Clinton, Randy and wife Patti, El Dorado Springs, Milan and wife Lora, Moore, South Carolina, and Tim and wife Tammy, Gladstone. They all, along with seven granddaughters, two grandsons and six great-grandchildren, lovingly grieve, but know without any question that their husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather celebrates his homecoming as he always would say, "On The Sunny Banks of Sweet Deliverance!"
He is also survived by his three brothers, Arthur and wife Edra, Curtis and wife Lou, and Kent and wife Phyllis.
Milan was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Troy.
Milan loved his family. He very, very rarely raised his voice by way of teaching and instruction to anyone including his family. He was reserved in showing affection, but all family knew by his actions of his devotion to them all.
Milan loved music. He was self-taught and he and his brothers loved the times of togetherness to talk and play the music they loved. Milan played the guitar, mandolin and banjo. He made music an important part of his ministry as he and Vera played together to bring the family, God's family and sinners to the table of repentance and rejoicing.
Milan was saved the June following his graduation from high school, was sanctified shortly thereafter, and within a few months answered God's call to the ministry. He received a junior college degree from Mt. Zion Bible School in 1948 and completed his Bachelor of Theology at Kansas City College and Bible School in 1951. His educational pursuits were, however, a lifelong quest and this day several books from his library in his study are open and the last entry in his personal journal are two simple words, "IN STUDY".
Let us listen to a summary of the ministerial efforts of Milan.
1947-49: Sprague.
1949-51: full-time evangelist.
1952-56: Herriman Chapel.
1956-59: Brush Arbor.
1959-65: Kinser Chapel.
1965-69: Lowry City.
1969-78: El Monte, California.
1978-79: Black Jack.
1979-88: Fulton.
1988-96: Log Church.
1996: promotion Saturday, Herriman Chapel.
In addition, Milan taught at Mt. Zion Bible School for 17 years and served in several other capacities there, including Dean of Students, business manager, editor and publisher of The Reporter, as principal and as its president. He also served the Lord and the Church of God (Holiness) with extended periods of minister to both the Home and World Missions Boards, the Publishing Board and the Convention Roll Committee.