Dean S. Miller passed away peacefully at home at the age of 97, on Aug. 23, 2019. Dean had stored up many precious memories during his lifetime, and he enjoyed sharing his stories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with bits of wisdom and words of advice, as to equip them on their own life journeys.
He always said he had a good life, and he considered himself lucky to have had the people and experiences that had made his life a full one. His faith was simple, his work ethic exemplary, his belief in good old common sense was legendary, and his love for his family was constant and true.
Dean was born on Jan. 24, 1922, the youngest son of Frank and Annie Miller, and grew up during the Depression Era. He learned from his father that a man’s role was to provide for his family, and from his mother that generosity was a virtue. He was also the youngest of four boys, so he enjoyed the rough and tumble joys of childhood. Even though times were hard and money was scarce, he considered himself rich in the things that truly mattered.
Dean was honest to a fault, had a mischievous sense of humor, loved to watch old westerns, and took pride in the accomplishments of his family. He grew up on the Fairgreens Golf Course, and his parents worked at the country club; he and his brothers would act as caddies to earn a little extra money. That is where he learned his love of the game, and he was an avid golfer most of his life. One of his favorite stories was being a member of the first-ever golf team at Jackson High School and having to wear borrowed shoes when they competed in the state tournament. He was a member of the Franklin Valley Golf Course for many years, and often shared detailed memories of golf matches and of time spent with his golfing buddies.
Dean was born in Fayette County, was raised in Jackson County, attended a one-room school in his elementary years, and graduated from Jackson High School in 1939. Dean then served his country as a motor machinist mate on the U.S.S. Stewart during WW II, and upon his return from his service in the U.S. Navy, married Susie Helms on Feb. 16, 1946. Dean began his career at the Atomic Energy Plant in Piketon in 1954, and he retired in 1983. He spent his retirement years caring for his wife of 65 years, Diana Ruth (Susie), until her death in 2011.
In addition to his wife, Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Wm. Franklin and Anna M. Miller; three brothers, Herbert, Clarence (Red) and Glenn Miller; one daughter-in-law, Lavon Miller; one granddaughter, Stacy Marie Miller; and one great-grandson, Owen Murphy Armstrong.
He is survived by his four children: Gregory A. (Lee) Miller of Rio Grande, Ohio, Dianne (Steve) Connell of Cincinnati, Patrick Miller, and Brenda (Dick) Armstrong, both of Jackson. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and their spouses and 33 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud and loved very much.
A private viewing and service for the family is being held at the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home, with Pastor William Goodall officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com