Milton D. Rafferty, 83, of Springfield, MO. passed away on Saturday October 1, 2016. He was born on November 24, 1932 to Peter and Martha (Clemons) Rafferty in Otego Kansas.

Milton acquired many achievements starting with obtaining a bachelor''s degree from Kansas State University, a master''s degree from University of Utah, and later his PHD from University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

He worked for Missouri State University for 30 years and was later inducted into the Missouri State University Wall of Fame 1966-1996 as geography, geology and planning department head. Milton Rafferty united experts in a wide spectrum of subjects and advanced to offerings from 2 to 5 undergraduate programs and interdisciplinary graduate programs. He also received the Kansas State University Geography distinguished Alumni award and the 2003 Governors Humanities Book award. Milton published the quintessential book, Ozarks Land and Life, along with several other books and was in the introduction class 2009. He traveled the world giving lectures and attending meetings in his field. Milton enjoyed traveling, attending classic car shows, he owned several himself. He also enjoyed managing several properties with his wife. Milton was a family man who dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grand children.

Preceding him in death are his parents, step father, daughter Dale Von Behren, three brothers Lyle, Mike, and Dick Rafferty.

He is survived by his wife Emma of 60 years, son Ron Rafferty, son in-law Rich Von Behren, two grandchildren Erich and Adrienne Von Behren, three great grandchildren Silas, Virginia and Chloe Von Behren and a host of family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 from 1 till 2 pm with chapel services at 2pm at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel, 5234 W. State Hwy EE (Division). A burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Milton''s honor to the Milton D. Rafferty Scholarship fund at Missouri State University or the American Heart Association.