Gene was born on June 9, 1927, in Onamia, Minnesota to Arnold and Iola Miller. Gene was a man who wore many hats. He was a hard worker, a handyman – building, fixing, working on his cars to keep them in tip top shape. He loved bowling, playing all sports, and when he became older, he enjoyed watching football games on TV. He was a huge Chicago Bears fan, but when Gene and Hilda moved to Indiana, he became an even bigger Indianapolis Colts fan. Gene had a great passion to tell others about Jesus, and a great love for this country, for his family, and for music – both hymns and songs from the 40s through the 70s. He had an amazing memory for words to songs and would sing at the drop of a hat. If he wasn’t singing, he would be telling silly “Dad” jokes.
At the age of 17, he joined the US Navy, graduating from Great Lakes Naval Academy, and served for two years. Gene met his beautiful bride-to-be, Hilda Carpenter, at a restaurant where they both worked. They dated for 3 months, got engaged and married 3 months later. They were married for 70+ years before Hilda passed away in December of 2021.
After living in a small apartment in Chicago, Gene and Hilda moved to the Chicago suburbs. They had two daughters (Gail and Pam). Gene accepted Christ and was baptized when he was 32 yrs. old at Prospect Christian Church in Prospect Heights, Illinois. After that, his life changed drastically, and he became very involved in their church. While there, Gene served in many capacities – maintenance, Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Elders, Chairman of the mission’s team, teaching a Sunday School class, and even singing in the choir.
In 2008, Gene and Hilda moved to Columbus, Indiana, and became members of First Christian Church and then Garden City Christian Church.
Preceded in death were his wife, Hilda J. (Carpenter) Miller. his parents, Arnold L. Miller and Iola G. (Morphew) Miller, his siblings - Marvin (Mary Lou) Miller, Donald Miller, Lori (Pat) Kenneally, and nephew, Marvin (Marty) Miller.
He is survived by his two daughters, Gail (Larry) Dyer of Bradenton, FL, and Pam (Al) White of Columbus, Indiana. His grandchildren include Rebecca (Mario) Battaglia, Daniel (Emmeline) Dyer, Candace (Danny) Martinez, Leslie (Ian) Whitmer, Alynn White, Nathan (Clarissa) White. Gene also had several great grandchildren: Anthony (Marissa) Dyer, Isabelle Ortiz, Josiah Ortiz, Maximus Reign, Breck, Ridge and baby (due in July) Dyer, and Jackson Martinez. He also had many special nieces and nephews that he enjoyed whenever they got together.
There will be a memorial service for Gene on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Myers-Reed Chapel, 3729 Street, Columbus, Indiana 47203 with a luncheon following. Friends will be received an hour prior to service time.
In Lieu of flowers, you may donate to Clarity of Central Indiana and/or Moody Bible Institute.
