C. Wayne Miller

C. Wayne Miller, the son of Josiah and Lydia (Rosenthal) Miller, was born Dec. 11, 1920 in Vandalia, Iowa. He was the seventh child in a family of eight. He graduated from Prairie City High School in 1937.

On Nov. 25, 1938, Wayne was united in marriage with Ornetta (Nettie) Mott in Bethany, MO. This union remained steadfast for 67 years.

Wayne served in the US Army during World War II. He was on the front lines in Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, WWII campaign medal and numerous other accommodations. He was discharged at the rank of Sargent.

Wayne was a carpenter and was known to be a perfectionist with his trade. After he retired he enjoyed playing golf with his buddies. He volunteered for six years for Jasper County RSVP. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Newton. He lived in Jasper County for 93 years until moving to Oklahoma in 2013 to be near his daughter.

God was first in his life with family next. He loved to study and share God’s Word, answering questions and always offering encouragement. While living in Oklahoma, he attended the First Christian Church of Waukomis, with his daughter and son-in-law.

Family and friends could always count on his thoughtfulness and many acts of kindness to help out at any time. Many extended family fishing trips to northern Iowa were enjoyed over the years.

Wayne passed from this world on Friday, July 15, 2016 at Greenbriar Nursing Home in Enid, Okla. He was 95 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be at Vandalia Cemetery with military honors.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Noma Brunner; brothers, Gale, Harold, Russell, George, Chase (Bing) and Wendell Miller.

Wayne is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jim (Reta) Miller of Waterloo, Iowa and Bob (Linda) Miller of Loveland, Colorado; his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie (Kenny) Heckman of Waukomis, Oklahoma; his five grandchildren: Jodi, Chris, Pam, Robin and John; his seven great-grandchildren and several special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.