Kenneth R. Miller Sr.

Kenneth R. Miller Sr., 86, died early Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Altercare of Bucyrus after months of failing health and his family is very thankful for the care provided and love shown to Kenny by Dr. Becky and the entire Altercare staff.

He was born in Jackson, Ohio to the late William and Ruth (Van Fossan) Miller. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1956, Kenny was working at a service station when he made the acquaintance of Gloria Jean Mason. They were married on July 18, 1959. He then worked for Jackson Iron and Steel before moving to Bucyrus where he took a job with The Timken Co. Kenny also built homes and, after retiring from Timken, established M&R Builders with his friend, Bob Routzahn. He and Bob built many homes in the area, did a lot of roofing.

Kenny will be remembered as a working man who loved to provide for his family. He would help anyone who needed a hand. The Miller family had a number of memorable vacations in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Kenny and Gloria also visited all 50 states in their travels and wintered in Naples, Florida for over 20 years where he loved riding with his bicycle group, Pelican Pete’s Peddlers. Ken enjoyed great conversations, and cherished the many friendships formed over his lifetime.

At home, Kenny collected antique tractors and enjoyed sharing them at various events. He was a longtime member of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association and was a former member of the Liberty Twp. VFD, Bucyrus Elks Lodge and Bucyrus Moose Lodge. Ken enjoyed coaching Little League when his son was playing, worshiped at Scioto Methodist Church, and served as a trustee for Union Cemetery. He also could be heard rooting on the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Steelers when they took the field.

Kenny is survived by his bride of 65 years, Gloria Miller; daughter, Lynn Kocher and her husband Steve; son, Dr. Kenneth “Chip” Miller Jr. and his wife Angela; grandchildren, Dr. Steven (Jessica) Kocher, Hanah (Shawn) Wilson, Dr. Caleb (Corey) Miller, Shannon (Joe) Riele, and Brooke (Daniel) Newell; great grandchildren, Payslee, Beckam, Palmer, Jett, Reese, and Casey; sister, Kathryn Dean; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by brother, Robert L. Miller and his brothers and sisters in law.

His family will receive friends from 2 – 5 pm Sunday, September 8 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Monday with Pastor Dennis DeLong officiating and burial will follow in Union Cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made payable to either the Mac Morrison Scholarship or Liberty Twp. VFD and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on his guestbook.