Milton F. Hoard, age 74, of Gladwin, formerly of Ithaca, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2010 at home.

He was born the son of Lester and Bernice (McFarlane) Hoard on November 3, 1935 in Ithaca, MI.  He served briefly in the U.S. Navy until he was honorably discharged and returned home to graduate from Ithaca High School in 1956.  He married Marzella Ann Thum on October 6, 1956.  He was employed at Shults Equipment, Inc from 1960 until 1981 when he became the owner, retiring in 1993.  He was a lifetime member of Alma Elks Lodge.  He also enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marzella; one son Mark (Karen) Hoard of Ithaca; two daughters, Michelle (Rick) O’Hara of Ithaca and Melinda Hoard of Traverse City; grandchildren, Scott O’Hara, Mark (Tina) O’Hara, Cindy Hoard (fiancee Tyler Moomey), Matthew and Jared Hoard; great grandchildren, Kimberly, Ian and Lochlan O’Hara; one sister, Beverly Berry of Ithaca; one brother, Carlisle Hoard of Battle Creek; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 

1:00 pm at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Rev. George Showers officiating.  Burial will be in the Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.  An Elks service will be held at 8 pm on Tuesday evening.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions to American Heart Association or Sugar Springs Memorial Fund of Gladwin.