Hugh Miller Hotchkin, Jr.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Hugh Miller Hotchkin, Jr., of Ionia, Michigan, known to many as "Miller," passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the age of 79 after living with Lewy body dementia in his final years. He was known to friends, family, and his community as a kind, selfless, loving person. He would be among the first to volunteer whenever someone needed help, especially for anything related to construction, car or mechanical repairs, or lawn care.

Miller was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on January 8, 1947, to Avonelle Thelma (Simpson) Hotchkin and Hugh Miller Hotchkin, Sr. ("Buck"). The oldest of four children, Miller grew up in Jackson, Michigan, near Browns Lake. He spent his childhood mentoring his younger siblings, Bill, Steve, and Cindy, and attended high school at Jackson Parkside, where he played football (offensive line) and was competitive with the swim team.

He attended Jackson Community College and Ferris State University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in business. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for a year near the end of the Vietnam War. In his career, he achieved journeyman ironworker status and especially loved bridge construction. He also served as a member of the Trustees Board at the Ionia First United Methodist Church.

Miller married Deanna (Keyt) Hotchkin on June 30, 1978, at the First United Methodist Church in Ionia, Michigan. They were married for over 47 years and had two children, Mark Andrew Hotchkin and Gregory Eric Hotchkin, whom he took great pride in, loved deeply, and supported unconditionally. He also loved cats, including longtime pet Molly, and Libby and Sassy, kittens he rescued during roadside cleanup.

Miller is survived by his wife, Deanna, son Gregory, son Mark (married to Lori), grandchildren Evan and Lila, siblings William (married to Dibet) Hotchkin, Stephen (married to Nita) Hotchkin, Cynthia (Hotchkin) Yackel, in-laws David and Annette Keyt and Glenn and Jill (Keyt) Simon, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his parents-in-law, Kenneth and Ardeth Keyt, and his cherished nephew, Andrew Hugh Yackel.

He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Community Drawers program at the Ionia First United Methodist Church: 105 E. Main St., Ionia, MI 48846, 616-527-1860 -or- Cannonsville Critters cat rescue: PO Box 94, Stanton, MI 48888, www.cannonsvillecritters.org.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Ionia, MI, on Friday, April 17, 2026. 

There will be a visitation from 10 to 11 am, followed by a service at 11 am. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.