Obituary for Richard "Stretch" Miller
Richard (Stretch) Miller of Battle Creek, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022, with his daughters by his side. He was born on September 3, 1939, in Zeigler, Illinois the son George and Margaret (Reynolds) Miller.
He was a 1957 graduate of Zeigler High School and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and honorably served his country with distinction for over 26 years. Throughout his military service, he earned several commendations and awards, but most importantly the respect and devotion from many of his colleagues. After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Richard worked at the Federal Center in Battle Creek, assigned to the Department of Defense, Telecommunications DOD DRMS unit until his retirement in 1994.
Richard had a variety of interests throughout his life and especially enjoyed playing on various softball and bowling leagues with his colleagues. He enjoyed being outdoors and would spend time deer hunting with his buddies and fishing with family. He was an avid gardener and each summer he looked forward to planting strawberries and his favorite vegetables. He was also a whiz with crossword puzzles and never came across one that challenged him enough that he couldn’t complete it. He even managed to do them in pen.
Richard was a man that loved the simple things in life: He loved the country-living lifestyle and all that came along with it. He was a devoted family man who loved animals and was known to be a “dog whisperer.” He had a special affinity with dogs and had several as companions throughout his life.
Nothing meant more to Richard than his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Hannah.
Richard was the strongest and most hardworking man anyone would ever meet. He was a generous man who gave his time, talents and treasure to various programs and projects especially those that benefited senior citizens and veterans. He was a loyal friend to many and would do anything for any person or animal in need.
Richard’s family and friends will always remember him as a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and confidant.
Richard is survived by his daughters Margie (Mike) Crittenden and Anna Miller; grandchildren, Jason (Aubrey) Miller, Justin (Sallie) Miller, Nick (Kacee) Poxson, Jessica Poxson, Tyler Moore, and Stephanie Randall; brother Jerry (Diane) Miller, sister Carolyn (Leon) Craig; nieces; several great-grandchildren and his former wife and lifelong companion Luz Estrella Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son Jerry Miller; sister Norma Ajdeschek; brother-in-law Leon Craig and wife Vera Miller.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14 from 5 - 8 p.m., at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, and funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15 beginning at 12 p.m.
Burial will follow services at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A luncheon to celebrate his life will follow the burial at the Baxter Funeral Banquet Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter located at 165 Union St S, Battle Creek, MI 49014.
Arrangements were entrusted to Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service; 269-788-9800; www.baxterfuneral.com.
He was a 1957 graduate of Zeigler High School and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and honorably served his country with distinction for over 26 years. Throughout his military service, he earned several commendations and awards, but most importantly the respect and devotion from many of his colleagues. After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Richard worked at the Federal Center in Battle Creek, assigned to the Department of Defense, Telecommunications DOD DRMS unit until his retirement in 1994.
Richard had a variety of interests throughout his life and especially enjoyed playing on various softball and bowling leagues with his colleagues. He enjoyed being outdoors and would spend time deer hunting with his buddies and fishing with family. He was an avid gardener and each summer he looked forward to planting strawberries and his favorite vegetables. He was also a whiz with crossword puzzles and never came across one that challenged him enough that he couldn’t complete it. He even managed to do them in pen.
Richard was a man that loved the simple things in life: He loved the country-living lifestyle and all that came along with it. He was a devoted family man who loved animals and was known to be a “dog whisperer.” He had a special affinity with dogs and had several as companions throughout his life.
Nothing meant more to Richard than his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Hannah.
Richard was the strongest and most hardworking man anyone would ever meet. He was a generous man who gave his time, talents and treasure to various programs and projects especially those that benefited senior citizens and veterans. He was a loyal friend to many and would do anything for any person or animal in need.
Richard’s family and friends will always remember him as a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and confidant.
Richard is survived by his daughters Margie (Mike) Crittenden and Anna Miller; grandchildren, Jason (Aubrey) Miller, Justin (Sallie) Miller, Nick (Kacee) Poxson, Jessica Poxson, Tyler Moore, and Stephanie Randall; brother Jerry (Diane) Miller, sister Carolyn (Leon) Craig; nieces; several great-grandchildren and his former wife and lifelong companion Luz Estrella Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son Jerry Miller; sister Norma Ajdeschek; brother-in-law Leon Craig and wife Vera Miller.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14 from 5 - 8 p.m., at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, and funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15 beginning at 12 p.m.
Burial will follow services at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A luncheon to celebrate his life will follow the burial at the Baxter Funeral Banquet Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter located at 165 Union St S, Battle Creek, MI 49014.
Arrangements were entrusted to Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service; 269-788-9800; www.baxterfuneral.com