Ernest Miller

Ernest Miller

Ernest Lee Miller, 56, of Hayfield died Monday, August 9, 2004 in rural Crystal Lake.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church, Garner. Interment will follow in the Belmond Cemetery. Rev. Todd Jones will be officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5515 of Garner. Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Cataldo Funeral Home, 160 E 4th St., Garner, IA.

Ernie was born on September 10, 1947 in Fletcher, OK, the son of Ernest and Vernice (Cummins) Miller. Ernie graduated from the Belmond High School. On October 25, 1966 he entered the United States Navy. At the end of tour, Ernie held the rank of ADJ3. During his tour he achieved the following decorations and commendations; Nation Defense Service Medal (1st Award), Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device (1960-) and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). Ernie was honorably discharged from the United States Navel Reserves on June 6, 1972.

On June 5, 1971, Ernie was united in marriage to Deborah E. Garman in Esterville, IA and to this union there were 4 children.

He was a giver at heart and loved life and always offered a helping hand. His contagious belly laugh would fill a room. A smile and small talk went hand in hand and the word “stranger” didn’t exist in is vocabulary. He never thought less or greater of anyone. He found good in everything and made a friend on any given day. You could always find him casting a line at his favorite fishing holes which he seldom shared. Ernie was a naturalist, never taking what he didn’t need. It could have been the biggest fish and yet he wouldn’t keep it. He loved joking around, just to bring a smile and laughter to your heart. Ernie was an avid reader of Westerns and Louis L’Amour. He enjoyed watching PBS and movies with his family, in which led to naps. Ernie’s heart was tender and always helping others before himself, never complaining. Everyday he graced this world with a smile and touched many lives, leaving small and large footprints in the hearts of many.

Those thankful for having shared in Ernie’s life include his 3 children; Danielle (Scott) Graham of Fort Dodge, Jeremiah “Bud” Miller and special friend, Rita Gross of Titonka, Tracy Miller of Klemme; 1 special nephew, Evan Miller of Fort Dodge; 7 grandchildren, Tristan and Sierra Miller, Jake, Samantha and Tricia Hall, and Kannon

Ray E. Graham; 2 brothers, Dwayne “Bo” Miller and Mike Miller; 3 sisters, Betty (Dale) Jones, Byrul (Curtiss) Moore and Renee (Miss) Aldrich; special aunts, Florence M. Cummins and Peggy Ellis; 3 sisters-in-law, Bobbi (Ed) Miller, Jerlyn Miller, and Dianne Miller; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Rusty Miller; 3 brothers, Dwight “Ole”, Earl “Frank” and Virgil; 1 nephew, Jason Moore.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home