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Thomas Owen Miller passed peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.
Tom was born in Three Rivers on April 18, 1944 the son of George L. Miller and Ruth M. (Bowersox) Miller.
He was united in marriage to Tracy (Hackenburg) Miller on August 21, 1965 at the First Baptist Church Parsonage by Pastor John Booko while he was home on leave between Basic Training and then on to Ft. Sill, Okla. for 8 months, then to Korea for 13 months.
Tom served his country in the United States Army in South Korea during the Vietnam conflict between 1965-1967. While stationed in Korea, Tom gained the rank of E5.
Tom was an active member of St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a Golden Eagle member of the Three Rivers Eagles.
A devoted husband and father to not only his sons, Big T was an influential father figure to many young men that his sons called friends.
He enjoyed restoring classic cars with his two sons, Tom and Tim, along with friends Bryan Bottger and Darren Arnold. Collaborating together, these men produced many vehicles that garnered national recognition through numerous publications – something in which he took great pride.
Tom was an Accredited Electrical Technician, receiving his diploma from Advanced Schools, Inc., enjoyed carpentry, small engine repair and was a renowned metal fabricator. Along with those hobbies, Tom enjoyed solving the world’s problems with good friend Hugh Hudson. While enjoying a cold beverage, their discussions evolved to the fact that there was no task too large.
Tom was an avid boxing fan … watching, not participating in, along with being a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Chicago Bears football.
Tom retired from Armstrong Machine Works in 2006 after 37 years of employment, while serving as the foreman in the welding department.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Tracy; two sons, Tom Jr. of Three Rivers and Timothy (Melissa) of Portage; grandchildren, Morgan McClain, Lauren Miller-Grigg, Payton, Camron, Kaleb and Max Miller. His sister and brother, Shirley (David) Huff of Klines Resort and Jack Miller of Maumelle, AK., and life long friends, Mike Kline and Brandt Fischer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ralph, Richard and George; and sister, Ramona Kline.
The family wishes to acknowledge respite care nurse Carolyn Pell for her wonderful care of Tom, and the friendship she shared with the entire family and to Ascension at Home & Hospice.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Hohner Funeral Home with social distancing precautions.
Memorial service for family and close friends will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2020 at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1200 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI, with Pastor Ron Moritz officiating.
Social distance seating will recognize Michigan’s recommendation. Brief visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior to service.
Memorials may be directed to St. Peters Lutheran Church, 1200 Arnold Street, Three Rivers, MI 49093, or Ascension at Home & Hospice, 5220 Lovers Lane, Suite 140, Portage, MI 49002. Envelopes also available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
