Milton Elias Romine Jr. was born on March 25, 1938, in Hollis, Maine, to Milton Elias Romine Sr. and Elizabeth Irene Drew Romine. He was the middle of three children, with two sisters, Frances and Betsy. He reunited with his wife Hazel Romine on September 11, 2025, at the age of 87.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who also served in the Navy, Milton enlisted and became a Cold War veteran. He served honorably during the Cuban Missile Crisis, working as a diesel mechanic aboard massive Navy ships. He kept great engines alive—both diesel and coal-fired—and it was this mastery of machinery that carried him into civilian life.

After his service, he first worked as a mechanic for eighteen-wheelers, but before long he moved behind the wheel himself. He became an over-the-road truck driver, logging more than four million miles without a single accident. The road was his workplace and his sacrifice—he spent much of his life away from home, paying for a house, car, and furniture he rarely had time to enjoy. He understood his duty as a husband was to provide, and he carried that burden with quiet pride.

Milton was a big man—the kind of fellow you wouldn't want to tangle with in a fight, with hands like baseball mitts—but he was a gentle giant at heart. He was a sweet, kind man who laughed at his own jokes with the giggle of a schoolboy. One of his greatest joys each year was dressing up as Santa Claus for the children and grandchildren at Christmas. It was more than a costume for him; it was a role he cherished, bringing delight to his family in the season of joy.

He was also a die-hard NASCAR fan—Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver—and he loved professional wrestling, rarely missing a night of Raw or SmackDown. He was a proud American, a Republican, and an unwavering Trump supporter.

Milton is survived by his children, Lorna Morrison and Anthony Romine Sr. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Craig Adams, Laura Gallegos, Rachel Adams, Sara Clark, Charles Adams, David Adams, Joseph Swarens, Heather Swarens, Thomas Romine, Andrew Romine, and Grant Romine.

He also leaves 29 great-grandchildren: Alex Peacock, Hailee Russet, Dante Gallegos, Madison Gallegos, Zackary Barnett, Ashley Barnett, Britany Bick, Jenay Forsgren, JJ Morse, Crystal Morse, Tristin Mitchell, Marshall Danielson, Bryson Adams, Ace Adams, Alyssa Adams, Skyler Adams, Jade Adams, Dylann Swarens, Harper Swarens, Rhett Swarens, Kai Swarens, Quintan Swarens, Caiyenne Romine, Clementine Romine, Clove Romine, Aria Romine, Adan Romine, and Fisher.

And 13 great-great-grandchildren: Myrissa, Micheyla, Michelle, Weston, Cooper, Nicklaus, Dezmond, Frankie-Joe, Fisher, Liberty, Kainalu, Kenai, and Kiona.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of many decades, Hazel Romine; his parents, Milton Elias Romine Sr. and Elizabeth Irene Drew Romine; and his daughter, Michelle Lyn Swarens.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Leavitt's Mortuary (836 36th Street, Ogden, UT 84403). A viewing will be held from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. before the service. Graveside services will begin at approximately 12:00 p.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park (17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065).