Earl Norman Miller, 95, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, at his home. His loving wife of 73 years, Ruth Elaine Miller, 91, joined her husband in Heaven on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.
Mr. Miller was born Jan. 21, 1922, in Allegan. He was the son of the late Charles Frederick and Lura (Miller) Miller.
Mrs. Miller was born May 19, 1926, in Eugene, Ore. She was the daughter of the late Hasty Brown and Velma Estelle (Vanderford) Bell.
Earl and Ruth united in marriage on Feb. 12, 1944. In 1947, they joined First Baptist Church of Allegan and have remained active members for the past 71 years.
Earl participated in the Allegan County Medical Care Community and prison ministries and they were both very involved with the youth of their church and community. They enjoyed tutoring children with Kids Hope and Earl volunteered with the children’s church and Awanas.
He also enjoyed coaching youth sports, especially little league and basketball. As a former teacher for Allegan County Schools, he served on the Parent-Teacher Association where he was past president. Earl had served honorably in the United States Army during World War II where he had received two Purple Heart Medals and a Bronze Star.
Ruth had been a bookkeeper for both Reynolds Chevrolet in Allegan and Grange Store. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, needlepoint and quilting. Earl also loved reading and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was an avid golfer throughout his life.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are survived by their children, Joan (Larry) Miller-Radcliff, Earl (Judi) Miller, Jr. and Roger (Debbie) Miller; grandchildren, Sarah Yasbin, Chunky Miller, June Foster, Lisa Radcliff, Angela Polando, Stephanie Moorehead and JD Miller; and 13 great-grandchildren. Earl is additionally survived by his brother Don Miller; and Ruth, by her brother Alton Leon Bell.
Earl was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Miller, Paul Miller, Evelyn Lautenschlager, Maxine Stone and Lloyd Miller.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, Jan. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Allegan. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Allegan.
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