Howard William Miller, Jr.

Published 3:49 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2014

July 7, 1927 – December 4, 2014

Howard William Miller, Jr. of Redmond, Oregon, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 4, 2014, at Hospice House in Bend, Oregon. He was 87.

A Committal Service with full military honors will take place Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Terrebonne Pioneer Cemetery in Terrebonne, OR. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM at Highland Baptist Church, located at 3100 SW Highland Avenue in Redmond, OR. A luncheon to honor the memory of Howard W. Miller, Jr. will immediately follow.

Howard was born July 7, 1927 in Novi Township, Michigan, to Howard and Florence (Maahs) Miller. He graduated from Wayne High School in Wayne, MI, in 1945 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy on July 6, 1945. After basic training, he was stationed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. He achieved the rank of Seaman First-Class and was honorably discharged on July 31, 1946.

On March 25, 1950, Howard married Catherine Zarzycki in Northville, Michigan. Born to this union were two sons and a daughter. The family moved to Fullerton, CA in 1959, after living in Farmington, Michigan. While in California, Howard’s love of music inspired him to sing with a cappella Barbershop Quartet. In 1976 Howard and Catherine moved to Redmond, OR, to be near their son.

Howard worked as an auto mechanic, and at the US Post Office and Beaver Coach. He also worked as an electrician and as a screener at Roberts Airfield.

Howard enjoyed fishing and camping, serving on the Redmond Search and Rescue Team, riding his horse in the Redmond parades and going for trail rides with friends. He was a master craftsman at woodworking, and that is evident throughout his home. He loved his cat, which is named Candy, and she gave Howard many hours of joy. Howard was also a member of Highland Baptist Church.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Catherine Miller of Redmond, OR; son, Edward M. Miller and daughter, Rebecca A. Skaar. Other survivors include his brother, Richard H. Miller; four loving grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one son, Howard W. Miller, III. Howard will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Memorial contributions in Howard’s memory may be made to Partners in Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, Oregon 97701 or Highland Baptist Church, PO Box 297, Redmond, Oregon 97756.

Autumn Funerals of Redmond is entrusted with the arrangements, (541) 504-9485. www.autumnfunerals.net.