G. Ken Miller

Van Wert

G. Ken Miller, 83, died at 5:08 a.m. May 11, 2008, at Van Wert County Hospital.

He was born Sept. 3, 1924, in Van Wert to George Kenneth, Sr., and Dorothy Brouse Miller, who preceded him in death. On Jan. 25, 1947, he married Thelma E. Kindley, who survives.

Dr. Miller was a 1944 graduate of Delphos St. John's High School, where he played four years on the varsity basketball team. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before graduating from high school and served during World War II in the South Pacific. He was wounded on Iwo Jima and received two Purple Hearts.

After the war, he attended and graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago and received his doctor of optometry. He was a third-generation optometrist practicing first in Delphos before he opened his Van Wert office in 1950. In 1959, he built an office on West Main Street in Van Wert, which is still operated by his son. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, He was a member of American Legion Post 178, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, and the 3rd Marine Division Association. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Knights of Columbus, and a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a former Rotarian. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and he was extremely proud of his country and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Survivors also include five children, Dr. Timothy I. (Linda) Miller, of Ottawa, Ill., Kristine I. (Kenneth) Minnich, of Van Wert, Kenneth M. (Jane) Miller, of Fort Jennings, and Dr. Dennis J. (Cheryl) Miller, and Pamela A. (John) Wannemacher, both of Van Wert; a brother, Martin (Martha) Miller, of East Palm Harbor, Fla.; a sister, Patricia (Tom) Bodell, of Waynesfield; and 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Clint J. Miller.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert. The Rev. Michael Zacharias will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, with military rites by the combined American Legion and VFW honor guard.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, where a rosary service will begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church or Van Wert County Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to cowanfh@yahoo.com.