Thomas R. Miller, 81, of Loudonville was taken home to spend eternity in glory with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Tom was born July 23, 1935 in the family home south of Loudonville and was the eldest of Thomas K. and Carrie (Shambaugh) Millerās four children. While growing up in the beautiful hills along Pine Run, Tom acquired a deep love and respect for wildlife, nature, and the environment. He instilled that same love in both his daughters as well.
Tom was a 1953 graduate of Loudonville High School and enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1955-57. During that time he served 18 months in Bamberg, Germany and earned an Outstanding Marksman award. He attended The Ohio State University for three years majoring in engineering and finished with an Associates Degree from Franklin University via night classes while holding down a full time job.
He then worked as a draftsman at Exact Weight Scale Company in Columbus.
Tom met the love of his life while she was walking down the Catholic Church hill on her way to a Sadie Hawkins dance. The dark-haired beauty, Joycelyn Darling, had been aware of his interest and finally said yes to his offer of a ride and escort to the dance. The rest, as they say, is history. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage.
In 1966 Tom and Joycelyn moved back to their beloved Loudonville when Tom took a job at the Flxible Company. He then simultaneously began his 28-year service to the Village of Loudonville, serving first as a councilman for 16 years and then as mayor for another 12 years. He was highly respected for his moral integrity, conservative values, and no-nonsense approach.
Having grown up with very humble means, he also had a big heart for the āworking man.ā During his years of village service he was extremely instrumental in the creation of the Village Planning Commission the Loudonville Swimming Pool project, and the bringing of Merillat Industries to Loudonville.
Tom was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Joycelyn, — a resident of Colonial Manor since December of 2013; his daughters: Teresa Miller, and Lisa Miller (Dennis) Newcomer, both of Loudonville; his five grandchildren: Rachel Titko (Wes) Bieri of Butler, Jessica (Rob Wagner) DeWitt, Jonathan DeWitt, Sarah DeWitt, and Matthew DeWitt, all of Loudonville; and two sisters: Gertrude (George) Straits of Millersburg, and Susan (Delbert) Howman, of Ashland. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Ernest Young, and a sister, Virginia Nave.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. in Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville with Rev. Scott Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Loudonville Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion and VFW.
Friends may visit with the family from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International, Post Office Box 5, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.Byerly-Lindsey.com.
