Decatur Miller Sr.

On September 16th, 2010 Decatur Miller Sr. passed onto the Kingdom of Heaven to be with his wife and sweetheart of 70 years, Marguerite, once again. Decatur was born in Austin, Texas on October 23,1913. He was 96 years young and a very independent, hardworking man with a kind and gentle heart. Decatur was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his loving wife Marguerite, an infant son Daniel, a daughter Rosalie Todd, a grandson Ethan Tarr, daughter-in-law Juanita Miller, son -in-law Leo Tarr, and a niece Joan May. Mr. Miller leaves three daughters; Joann (Howard) Shreve Sr. of Cambridge, OH, Anna Marie Gibbons of Cambridge, OH, and Shirley Tarr of Inverness, FL. Three Sons; Robert (Veronica) Miller of Cambridge, OH, David (Chris) Miller of Nashport, OH, and Decatur Miller Jr of Lore City, OH. He also leaves a previous daughter-in-law, Reta Miller; a special son-in-law Donald R. Todd Sr. Decatur also leaves twenty six grandchildren, fifty one great grandchildren, and eighteen great great grandchildren. He also leaves a special nephew, James (Mary Jayne) Evans of Tennessee and a special niece, Billi Carol (Tony) Lockett of Florida and several other nieces and nephews. Mr. Miller had a loving family and although some of them could not visit as much as they wanted , he did have several grandchildren and great grandchildren who visited often as possible or sent cards or letters regularly or he talked of often. They include; Terry (Lori) Crawford, Kathy (Dwayne) Bassett, Samantha Goudy, Jamie (Steph) O'Connell, Larry (Chrystal) Miller, Karen (Bobby) Miller, Terri Bennett, Rick (Daisy) Haney, Tim (Linda) Haney, Jacki Sue (David) Wingert, Brian Haney, John Haney, Dianna (John) Lanning and Megan Miller. Although Decatur didn't get to spend a lot of time with some of his family, he loved them all very much and talked of them often and knew they loved him also. Decatur had a special son-in-law, Howard Shreve Sr, who he was very close to and who helped with repairs, projects or anything else that he needed. They also went together for Decatur's last haircut with barber, Ralph Watkins. Decatur was a very independent man and enjoyed doing things around the house himself, but he really did appreciate his neighbors, Rex, Larry, Mike and family helping to shovel snow at times when he would not beat them to it. He also appreciated very much, the meals brought by neighbor Connie Baker and also from his daughter-in-law Veronica Miller. Decatur always joked that he lived a long life due to hard work and eating McDonalds' cheeseburgers and coffee. He was well liked by all at both McDonalds. They knew exactly what he wanted and would have it ready when he came in. He enjoyed seeing all of the McDonalds' staff, especially his great grandson, Ashton Shreve's mommy, Ashley Hill when she worked there. He also was very well liked by all at CVS pharmacy. Decatur was a retired brick mason. Much of his work is in and around Cambridge. He worked for several contractors and friends including Harry Hamme, Cal Davis, and Dutch Messerschmidt. He played guitar, harmonica, fiddle and banjo and enjoyed playing at the different taverns with his band. He and his band had also played at the Zanesville radio station. Decatur leaves behind good friends, Frank Siwinsky, Teddy Monterotti and the late Leroy Monterotti. Mr. Miller was a lifetime member of the Eagles Club in Cambridge and a former member for many years of the Moose Club. He also loved animals, but in his younger years enjoyed going hunting for squirrel and rabbit with his hunting buddy, David (Jack) Gray. Decatur spent many weekends in his younger years with his friends Jane and Don Lucas in Boden/Douty Holler. They, along with other friends and family, would fish and catch turtles for turtle soup and play music together while enjoying each other's company. Mr. Miller was a kind hearted, generous man who treated everyone with respect. He was grateful for the help from Hospice of Guernsey, and liked his nurse, Katie and all the others. I believe there will be many fond memories of him from all that knew him. A great man has journeyed on to a better place. Calling hours will be from 11:30am-1:00pm Tuesday (September 21, 2010) at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge where services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Sturman Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Guernsey Memory Gardens.