Harold E. Miller

Harold E. Miller, 87, of Bucyrus died late Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at his home after a two year battle with cancer.



He was born February 19, 1928 in Lykens Township to the late Ellis and Mabel Alice (Sorg) Miller. He graduated from Lykens High School in 1946 where he played varsity basketball. Following graduation, Harold worked for Swan Rubber Co. before enlisting in the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Charles P. Cecil on which he and his crewmates crossed into the Arctic Circle and enjoyed ports of call in the Mediterranean. Shortly after his discharge, Harold began his 40 year career as a gifted cabinet maker at the O.F. Kime Lumber Co.



In October of 1954, Harold met Peggy Steffenhagen while roller skating in Bloomville. As soon as she finished nursing school, they were married on September 14, 1957, sharing 58 memorable years together.



Harold was a dedicated member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was Past Master of Bucyrus Lodge #139 F&AM, Past High Priest of Bucyrus Chapter #39, Bucyrus Council, and in the Bucyrus Shrine Club. He served multiple times as Worthy Patron of the former Bucyrus Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a current member of Warpole Chapter #366, Upper Sandusky. He was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church.



Harold was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver, reading two papers a day and seldom missing a roadside historical marker on road trips. At home, he loved cutting grass and sitting down to watch This Old House, OSU basketball and the Cleveland Indians. He will be remembered for his ornery sense of humor, quiet nature and as a devoted family man, attending ball games, ballets, plays, graduations, and weddings of his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was the multitude of family gatherings, including the annual “I Hate Winter Picnic”, at his home surrounded by his very loving family.



Harold is survived by his beloved wife Peggy; four children, Denise (Paul) Myers of Bucyrus, David (Gina) Miller of New Matamoras, Ohio, Jerry (Laurie) Miller of Powell, Ohio, and Jeffrey (Emily) Miller of Boerne, Texas. He was “Pawpaw” to 15 grandchildren, Travis (Elizabeth) Miller, Michael (Ashley) Miller, Jennifer Miller, 1st Lt. US Air Force Timothy Miller, Petty Officer 2nd Class US Navy Megan Miller, Allen Miller, Thomas Miller, Mary Miller, Katherine (Jordan) Hawk, Danielle Miller, Grace Miller, Cory Myers, Norman Hurt, and Robert Hurt; great grandchildren, Abigayle, Michael, Gavin, Wyatt, Maliyah, and Locklen; sister, Doris Clay of Gahanna, Ohio; sister-in-law, Betty Gourlie of Mary Esther, Florida; special niece and nephew, Kathy and Ed Theimer of Collins, Ohio along with many more dear nieces, nephews and extended family.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Paul Volk; sister, Jeanette Hewett, and his faithful canine companion, Clyde.



The family thanks Heartland Hospice of Fremont for their dedicated care. The Millers will receive friends on Sunday, January 17 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus where Eastern Star services will be conducted Sunday at 4:00 pm and Masonic services will be at 5:45 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11:00 am with Gene Luidhardt, S.A.M. officiating and burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery where full military rites will be offered by the US Navy and American Legion Post 181 Honor Guards.



In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be given to Heartland Hospice, Warpole Chapter #366 OES, Bucyrus Lodge #139 F&AM, or Good Hope Lutheran Church through the funeral home. Memories can be shared on Harold’s Tribute Wall.