Howard Dwain Miller of Crete, formally of Friend, passed away July 8, 2024, at Bryan East Medical Campus in Lincoln, at the age of 96 years, 8 months, and 20 days.
He was born Oct. 19, 1927, in rural Milford, to Eli and Etna (Alber) Miller, the youngest of four children. He was united in marriage to Bonnie June Smith on Nov. 27, 1947, and in 2022, they celebrated 75 years together. Randall Ray and Jeanne Yavonne were chosen to complete their family.
In the early years, Howard and Bonnie made their home on the farm near Friend, but soon moved into town where they resided for 60 years. As a young man, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Pearl Harbor Day in 1945, where he served his country until being honorably discharged in October 1947. His service didn’t stop there, for he was a member of the American Legion Ford Banka Post #183 in Friend. Howard acquired Miller Fertilizer then Miller Agri Sales. Aside from providing for his family, he flew as a pilot, enjoyed hunting and loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Howard is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Barb Miller, Friend; daughter and son—in-law, Jeanne and Jeff Stutzman, Friend; grandchildren, Jessica and Adam Roth, Milford, Jordan and Kaily Stutzman, Milford, Jonathan Stutzman, Milford, Luke Miller, Milford, and Abrianna Miller, Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Jailey, Ashtyn and Jillian Roth, Milford, Trevor Roach, Geneva, and Chandler, Penelope and Aria Stutzman, Milford.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie Miller; brother and sisters, Eula Herman, Kenneth Miller and Hazel Hendrix; and granddaughter, baby Jill Nicole Stutzman.
A Celebration of Life was July 16 at the Friend Christian Assembly Church with a private family graveside service at the Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Milford. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a later designation. Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services.
