Born in Stone Creek, OH on January 18, 1933, he was the son of the late Edward Leroy and Zada Grace (Everhart) Miller.
After graduating from New Philadelphia High School Orlan continued his formal education at Kent State University. He then served in the U.S. Army as a private 1st class, receiving the Occupation Medal/Germany, the National Defense Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
His professional career began at the former Warner & Swasey, then he taught at Buckeye Career Center with New Philadelphia High School. He continued his career in Colorado where he worked for 20 years at Bollman Technical Education Center as a welding instructor. He was also involved with the Vocational Industrial Club of America. Orlan took a personal interest in the hundreds of students he taught, and developed life-long friendships that continued into the students’ adulthoods.
Orlan loved 4-wheeling in the mountains and camping. He enjoyed photography and taking videos and worked as a “Stringer” for “The Times Reporter.” He also enjoyed building custom cars and received many trophies and awards for Model A, Model T, and Corvettes. He was past president and active in the “Quarter Milers” and was the proud owner of 55 cars throughout his lifetime. Some of his cars were featured in “Hot Rod” magazines. Additionally, he was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and especially John Elway.
Orlan is survived by his wife, Linda Miller; his children: Rick Miller of New Philadelphia, Kristin (Dean) McClune of Denver, CO and Matthew (Kim Smith) Miller of Canal Fulton; Linda’s three children: Richard (Susan) Kieckhaefer, Patricia (Brian) Berg, and Susan (Shane) Pickett all of Denver, CO; his siblings: Lucille Egler Johnson, Marlene (Carl) Byrd, and Richard (Sharelle) Miller; and brother-in-law, Lowel Blacka; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren complete Orlan’s family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lois “Kay” Miller; his sister, Marilyn Blacka; and brother-in-law, Bob Egler.
Visitation will be held on February 27, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO. Funeral Service will be held on February 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/thornton-co/orlan-miller-10064503.
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