Howard Miller, 90, of Sweet Home, died Dec. 11, 2008 at his home. He was born on Sept. 7, 1918 in Stipek, Mont., the son of Martin and Fannie Miller. He was raised in Colorado.
Mr. Miller came to Sweet Home in 1946, where he met Jean Pittsley. They married in 1949, lived in Sweet Home for two years, then moved to Crawfords-ville where they lived for 40 years.
In 1991 they moved back to Sweet Home as their last residence.
Mr. Miller was inducted into the United States Army on March 16, 1942 and discharged Dec. 21, 1945. He received the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
He worked as a logger and mill worker for most of his life. He was co-owner of Miller Tractor in Lebanon with his brother, Ben. After the business was sold, he returned to private logging and got his real estate license.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Sweet Home since Oct. 16, 1949.
He enjoyed serving anywhere, whether mowing the lawn, singing in the choir, teaching, being a deacon, and a Northwest Church Builders volunteer. He once attended Bible college.
Mr. Miller depended on God to direct all aspects of his life. He loved his family, church family, friends and tried to live his life in a way that would lead others to know his Lord and Saviour.
He enjoyed woodworking and rockhounding. He is most known for his quilt making. For 13 years he made approximately 100 per year to give away to charities and churches.
Howard is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Connie and Rick Hershberger, Helen and Mike Miner and Marilyn and Randy Colburn, all of Sweet Home, and Lois and Doyle Shaw of Philomath; a sister, Frances Brown of Walsh, Colo.; six grandchildren: and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jean in 2001; and siblings Monroe, Iva Litke, Mary Adams, Ben, Cleo Litke, Martin, John and Roy.
Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at First Baptist Church in Sweet Home, with Pastor Danny Wyatt officiating. Final burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery.
Donations can be made to the First Baptist Church in Sweet Home or The Gideons’ International Bibles Fund.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.