John Miller

John Franklin "Jack" Miller, 88, died January 31, 2014. Born May 3, 1925, in Chillicothe to John F. and Elizabeth A. (Ryan) Miller, he was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, attending St. Mary's Elementary and Catholic Central High School. Jack joined in the U.S. Army as a teen and was assigned to the 90th Division, otherwise known as the "Tough 'Ombres". On June 6th 1944 the 90th Division led the D-Day assault on Utah Beach in Normandy. The 90th faced daily combat for over 300 days until V-E Day in May 1945. The Tough 'Ombres fought from the beaches of France to the Czech border, engaging in every major battle on the European Continent. After liberating Europe, Jack was told to get ready for Japan – and Jack was ready. Fortunately he never had to make that trip. Jack returned home with 5 Bronze Stars and a Victory Medal. He met his wife, Nedra Ater (d. October 29, 2010) at the Mead Pool when they were young teens and the rest is history. They shared 67 years of marriage. Jack was the loving and providing father to their six children. Jack worked at Mead Corporation for most of his working career, retiring while running "The Chief." Along with his wife, he used his handyman skills to buy and rehabilitate distressed real estate. Additionally, Jack helped Nedra run Ater's Lake. Outside of work and family, he enjoyed his friendships with his fellow veterans as a member of the Chillicothe VFW – Post 108, Amvets, Ninetieth Division Association, Knights of Columbus and the United Paperworkers Union. He volunteered service to the VA golf course. Jack is survived by his children, Steven (Cary) Miller, Susan (James) Hill, Jacquelyn Miller, Jo Ann Miller (Michael Harrison), David Miller and Dr. Donna Miller (Terry DeGarmo); his grandchildren, Amanda Landrum (Steven) Drotleff, Meg Landrum (Andrew) Graham, Elizabeth Simmons (Sean Callan), John (Kerri) Simmons, Jay Harrison, Patrick Harrison, Lindsey Miller, Kelly Miller, Emily Miller, Anna Marie DeGarmo and Joel DeGarmo. Jack had 6 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beautiful sister/second mother, Irene Southworth and her husband Richard; and a brother-in-law and his wife Ned and Barbara Ater. The family extends a special thank you to the administration and caring staff of Traditions of Chillicothe and their hospice team; his many special caregivers and long-time family friend Melanie Sewards Kennedy. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at St. Mary Church, Rev. Lawrence Hummer, Celebrant. The family will receive friends at the Family Life Center, immediately following funeral services. Friends may also call 5-7 Monday at the Haller Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, Restoration Project, 61 South Paint St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. Jack was the quintessential member of the Greatest Generation. He really was the best soldier, husband, father, grandfather, friend and provider. We know how good you are. "Sometimes I think you don't know how good you are. You are the best soldiers in the world." –General George S. Patton to the 90th Division
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