Ernest Miller

Ernest Barger Miller III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend, died on January 14, 2013, after a courageous battle with heart failure. He was born on May 15, 1938, to Dorothy Bryan Miller and Ernest Barger Miller, Jr. Barger is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bryan Miller. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Dale Porter Miller, his son, Ernest Barger Miller IV and wife Carrie, daughter Margaret (Meg) Miller Culp and husband John, and four precious grandchildren, Maggie Miller, Porter Miller, Lenna Culp, and Miller Culp. No man could have been prouder of his family or loved them more. He also leaves behind a brother, David Miller and wife Janet, sister-in-law Francesca Miller, mother-in-law, Louise Porter, sisters and brothers-in-law Lynn and Harold Pitts and Patti and Marvin Porter. Good and kind to the core, Bargie (as he was affectionately called by many) will be terribly missed but held in our hearts forever.
Growing up in Houston, Bargie was educated in the Houston Public Schools going to Poe, Lanier and Lamar. Many of the friends from those years were his lifelong, treasured friends. While at Lamar, among other things, he lettered in football and was voted the most outstanding chemistry student in HISD.
He attended Stanford University where he received a BS in Chemistry. He then went on to Northwestern University where he received his MBA and enjoyed a year of being an assistant teaching instructor in Statistics.
Like his Grandfather, a pioneer in the oil industry, and his Father before him, Barger spent his career in energy related business. He began his career in Baton Rouge at the Humble Oil and Refining Co. where he specialized in catalytic reforming. He helped write some of the first computer models for this process before returning to Houston as an economic analyst for the Supply Department. He served as President of Charter House Japhet, USA, and ultimately started E.B. Miller & Co. raising capital for numerous projects both here and in South America. One of his most challenging and satisfying accomplishments was designing and building a small refinery in Bolivia.
A long time member of St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Barger served as Trustee, as both and Elder and a Deacon, and at various times was a Sunday School teacher of young children and adults. He was a member of several social and civic organizations that allowed him to serve the community and that gave him great pleasure as well.
His favorite place in all the world was the family lake house in northern Minnesota. He spent part of every summer of his life there and treasured time there with his children and grandchildren. Watching them learn to swim, fish, ski, and love the outdoors as he did was one of his greatest joys.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the kind and compassionate care Barger received during his long stay at The Methodist Hospital. They are especially grateful to and thankful for Dr. Amy Mynderse.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, with a reception following at the church. Sr. Minister John Wurster will officiate. Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for the interment at The Bryan City Cemetery in Bryan, Texas.
In lieu of usual remembrances, for those desiring, contributions may be made in Barger's memory to St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Houston 77056 or to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston 77030 or to the charity of your choice.