Howard Miller

Howard Wayne Miller, a lifelong resident of Vicksburg, MI passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on March 25, 1936, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Elon and Vera (Button) Miller. 

Howard and Gayle met at Sherwood Free Methodist Church youth group and became high school sweethearts, marrying in 1956. He attended Spring Arbor University for a short time, then enlisted in the Air Force and served his country proudly. He was stationed at various locations around the U.S. and overseas for six years. Howard’s last evening earth-side was in the company of his son’s family, sharing dinner with a few of his grandkids and grand-dog. The evening was filled with love, lots of laughter, and some of his favorite food. 

Howard was a devoted, loving, caring husband, uncle, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had an unwavering passion for his family and friends. He loved animals from a young age and considered his horse and dog his best friends on the family farm. He and Gayle welcomed pets into their family including horses, dogs, cats, and rabbits. Later in life, he enjoyed receiving photos of all the family’s animals to see what mischief they were up to. He loved to grill and cook, partly fueled by working as a butcher and in the food distribution industry. Howard shared Gayle’s love of baking and canning. Food was their love language expressed to all without need of a special occasion. Their Christmas trays were infamous amongst their friends and others who supported and impacted their lives, even the garbage man. He expressed his love for others through poetry, which was personal, authentic and treasured by all recipients.

One of his passions was watching sports, especially women’s college basketball. He also loved spending time outside with Gayle, planting flowers, feeding birds, watching wildlife, and taking care of the yard. He sincerely enjoyed his family’s activities, attending school and sporting events and joining family vacations around the country. He brought laughter into the world as he never hesitated to show his spontaneous, comedic side. Howard thoroughly enjoyed music, collecting albums and frequently attending concerts. He was energized by many kinds of music with some of his favorites being Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline.

He was a Christian, steadfast in his faith and proud to be known as a man of God. He was a joyful caregiver within his community and family and was a selfless caregiver of his wife throughout his marriage. As Howard was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior, a few hours later, his first great-great grandchild arrived into this world. He will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in his passing by his wife of 65 years: Gayle (Applegate) Miller; son: Tim Miller; as well as his parents.

Howard is survived by his children, daughter-in-law Linda Miller, Karen Miller, Laura (Dave) Crotser, Matt (Sue) Miller and; his grandchildren, Sarah (Jeff) Day, Jacob (Misty) Miller, Emily Miller, Kacie (Patrick) Hook, Joe (Bekah) Miller, Erin, Daniel, Luke and Emma Miller; six great grandchildren Angela, Korey, Sydney, Joslyn, CJ Miller and Lincoln Hook; and one great-great grandson, Rodney Scott Page III.

In accordance with Howard’s wishes, a public visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. A service will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Cross Community Church of the Nazarene, 5625 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Howard will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at 3:00 p.m. at Sherwood Cemetery. 

Memorials in Howard’s memory may be directed to:

• Reins of Life: https://www.reinsoflife.org/give 

• South County Community Services: https://southcountycs.com 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Howard’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Miller family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097.269-649-1697