PLYMOUTH- Nilas L. “Red” Miller, 77, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, and is now reunited with the love of his life, Bev (BJ). He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, and brother.
Born in Bremen, Indiana on July 15, 1945, Red was the son of Welcome Lamar and Beatrice Lucille (Brown) Miller. He graduated from Tyner High School and spent his younger years raising horses with his family on their farm.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War on December 9, 1965. Before being deployed, Red would marry Beverly Jo Henderson in South Bend, Indiana on December 27, 1965. Red would be Honorably Discharged on December 8, 1971.
Returning to the states, Red went into electrical training through trade school. He would become a member of the IBEW Local 153 and was recently awarded with his 50-year member certificate. During his career, he worked at Koontz-Wagner in South Bend until his retirement. Those who had the opportunity to work alongside Red will remember him for his wisdom, immense leadership and kindness.
Red enjoyed being involved in his community and selflessly giving back to others. He was awarded in 2022 for his 47 years as a Marshall County 4-H Leader and served on the John Glenn School Board. He was a member of Blissville Church of the Brethren and served as a past board member, deacon and volunteered his time and talents to support the church. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Tyner 821 Lodge. Again, holding various positions but especially enjoyed the countless fish fry events, that his father helped start. Through these activities, not only did Red make a positive impact on others, he built lifelong friendships.
He could be found in his spare time, holding a fishing pole and loved taking fishing trips, boating and spending time on the water with his friends and family. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent countless hours tending to his beautiful gardens. Additionally, Red was an avid racing fan and loved watching and attending events over the years. One of his fondest memories was getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car and experiencing the thrill of speeding around the track.
His greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He adored his daughters, and they were the light of his life. He enjoyed the simplicity of an evening spent together, sharing stories and laughing at the many moments in life that will be remembered and recounted, time and time again. His sense of humor and unparalleled love and support will live on through his family and friends, serving as a testament to the profound impact he had on his loved ones.
He is survived by his three daughters, Tammy (Mike) White of Bloomington, IL, Angie (Brett) Schultz of Wakarusa, IN and Kristin (Jeff) Hylek of Oswego, IL; and beloved dog, Oliver. Red is dearly missed by his eight beautiful grandchildren and 4, soon to be 5, great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Betty (Ralph) Berkeypile, Lucy (Ken) Reimer and Terry Miller as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Red was preceded in death by his parents, his wife BJ on September 12, 2021, daughter Pamela Sue, and sister Jill Stacy.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 11-1 p.m. in Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. The Tyner Odd Fellows will perform a memorial rite at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services with Jim Mobus officiating. Burial will follow in Tyner Cemetery, Tyner.
A celebration of Red’s life will immediately follow at the Tyner Odd Fellows Lodge in Tyner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Give an Hour (https://giveanhour.org/give/). Through their Military and Veteran programming, they provide mental health care, educational tools, resources and support at no cost.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com.
