Joseph William Miller

Published 2:08 pm Monday, April 23, 2018

Joseph William Miller was born July 1, 1932, in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Amandus and Elizabeth Miller. He was the 10th child and last survivor of a large Catholic family; proceeded in death by his parents, five brothers and five sisters.

Joe moved from Pennsylvania to Oregon and graduated from Elgin High School in 1950, where he was a three sport letterman. He spent two years attending Eastern Oregon University, before serving four years in the United States Air Force. He married his high school sweetheart Kay McCullough in 1953 in Biloxi, Mississippi. After his discharge, Joe returned to EOU where he earned his BS in Education and graduated in 1959. He taught mathematics and coached for over thirty years at Elgin High School, Baker High School, and Bend Senior High School. Joe impacted many young lives and was fortunate to earn his living doing what he loved. In the 1985-1986 academic school year, he was voted by the students as the first secondary recipient of the “Excellence in Teaching” award given by the Bend Foundation. Joe was a big Oregon Duck fan after receiving his Master of Science degree at the University of Oregon in 1964.

Two daughters were born to this union; Vicki McClaran (Scott), and Lisa Bulow (Rick). Papa Joe has five granddaughters; Jill McClaran, Beth McClaran, Maggie McClaran, Elizabeth Bulow Gough (Michael), Annie Bulow, and two great-granddaughters; Audrey and Livie Gough. This loving man was surrounded by many generations of women who adored and cherished him.

After retirement in 1990, Joe and Kay cultivated many interests including golf, playing cards, college football, and wood working. They also spent many hours traveling the United States, including multiple trips to Hawaii. Joe was a member of the Elks Lodge, Oregon Coaches Association, and the Bend Golf and Country Club. Not only was Joe loved by his family, but also his lifelong friends and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the Bend Golf and Country Club; doors will open at 1:30pm for visitation and the service will begin at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bend Golf and Country Club – Junior Golf program (www.bendgolfclub.com) or the charity of choice. The family would like to thank all the good friends who shared in Joe’s life and those who contributed to his care.