Samuel Joseph "Sam" Miller

OLNEY - Samuel Joseph "Sam" Miller, 100, of St. Peters, MO formerly of Olney, IL went home to be with Jesus at a little past 8:00 AM on June 6th, 2011. He was 100 (and a little over 5 months) when left us. He was residing with Rebecca (daughter) and Michael Dehner (son-in-law) in St. Peters, Mo at the time of death along with his wife, Betty. He was resting peacefully in his bed where he had been for 3 days struggling intestinal and liver cancer. Services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney, with Reverend Scott Carlson officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney. Burial will be in Haven Hill Cemetery, Olney. Full Military Rites will be performed at the graveside by the Olney Veterans Organizations. Masonic Rites will be performed at the visitation by the Olney Masons. Memorials: Alzheimer's Association. Sam was born on December 17th, 1910 in the home of his parents, William David & Lily Melinda (McClure) Miller near Claremont, Il. He was the last surviving child of 9 children raised in a very close Christian home. The other members of the family who left before him were Marion Hyatt, Gilbert Franklin, Earl William, Arthur Clay, Charles Lee, Minnie Florence (Fritschle), Clarence Benjamin, and Mabel Esther (Robinson). Sam was married twice, initially to Mabel Fritschle, who gave birth to one son, Jack Miller. Mabel died shortly after from complications with the birth. His lifelong friend and mate was Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Williams from near Noble Il. Two children were born from that marriage, John Joseph Miller of Effingham, Il and Rebecca Sue Miller (Dehner) of St. Peters, Mo. Sam's formal education ended in 8th grade when he left school to help his family on the farm and later work in the poor house located just west of Olney. That was not the end of his formal education though he forged ahead into the world experience as a young man. Sam had worked as a farm hand, crop harvester (crop harvesting through the western states), rough-necker, military construction worker, civilian construction worker, iron worker, crew supervisor, company owner, city councilman, and gardener throughout his life just to mention a small portion of his abilities and capabilities. If anything, Sam was a leader, who was not afraid to ask someone to do something that he had not already done a hundred times before ever asking. He worked professionally into his 70's and personally into his 90's. He was a man with a lot of heart, energy and a "can-do" attitude. Probably what he would like to be remembered for and where his "heart" was would be his love for his family. Sam volunteered for Army duty in May of 1942 during WWII and honorably discharged in December of 1945 after serving 23 months in the Pacific. According to Capt. David Cantor, his commanding officer, "His (Sam) sincerity, willingness and adaptability have made Tec. 4 Miller a fine asset to the unit". Though originally selected to serve in the motorcycle troops he was more than willing to take the Pacific tour (he disliked riding motorcycles). After WWII he was actively involved in serving the community and helping others in need. Namely he was an active member of the Elks, as well as a life long member of the Mason's, Shriner's, American Legion, and Veteran of Foreign Wars until his death. He later used his leadership skills as a councilman helping to establish the City Manager form of government in Olney, Il. Sam was elected and served 14 years for the city from May 1974 through April 1987. His efforts and service were later recognized by the elected officials of Olney by dedicating December 17, 2010 as "Samuel J. Miller Day". Sam was also a member of the 1st Methodist Church of Olney. Sam and Betty lived in Olney most of their lives and at several homes that they owned and later sold. Their last residence was at 525 South East Street until 2006, when daughter and son-in-law (based on medical reasons) moved them to St. Peters, Mo where they resided at Lake St. Charles Senior Center for almost 4 years and finally at the "Dehner residence" where Sam past away. Sam is survived by his wife Betty Miller of St. Peters, Mo, two sons Jack Miller of Calhoun, Il, and John Miller of Effingham Il, a daughter Rebecca Dehner of St. Peters, Mo. He is also survived by 6 grand children and 7 great grand children. Online condolences may be left at www.summers-kistler.com Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/