Joe A. Miller

Joe A. Miller, age 86 of Jefferson, died Monday afternoon at his residence following extensive surgery.

Joe was born in Parkman on August 10, 1933, the son of Andy R. & Sarah (Graber) Miller, growing up in Middlefield and spending most of his life in Jefferson and Ashtabula County.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  Joe was married to Delores M. Rodgers on January 27, 1957 at the Jefferson Methodist Church.  Joe was a veteran of the U. S. Army.

Joe had been a carpenter by trade from the age of 12.  Working for various companies around the county, he helped build many commercial, residential and agriculture buildings.  He owned and operated Miller & Sons Construction for 20 years, building fine homes around the county.  In his later years he worked in his shop on numerous projects from repair work to corn-hole boards to cabinets and furniture.  He always enjoyed visitors coming to the shop to have good conversation.  He was known to many for his carpentry skills.  He enjoyed going to Mugs for a cup of coffee with the other retirees in the mornings to solve the problems of the world.  His little wink and smile will be missed by his many “girlfriends”.

Joe was an avid sports fan, always watching the Indians and Browns on television.  In his younger days he played baseball and softball in various leagues around the county.  He loved to pitch horseshoes for competition and pleasure.  While in the Army he was the Second Army Champion Horseshoe pitcher two years in a row.  He was an avid bowler, bowling in many leagues and houses throughout the county and in national competitions around the country.  He attained two perfect 300 games and carried a 200 plus average.  He was a mentor to many a fledgling and experienced bowler throughout his career.  He was one of the unsung hero’s that helped with the Little League and JAGS as a coach and helping out on work details on the fields when needed.  He instilled love of these games in his children.

Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delores; five children, Rick A. (Tina) Miller of Jefferson, Todd A. (Linda) Miller of Jamestown, PA, Laurie J. (Robert) Banks of Lynchburg, Dean A. Miller of Rome Twp. & Lisa M. Haggar of New Carlisle; 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; four sisters, Martha Miller of Middlefield, Mary Byler of West Farmington, Kathryn (Ray) Gingerich of W. Edmenston, NY & Sara Ann (Dan) Byler of Guys Mills, PA; a brother, Mahlon (Irene) Miller of Breman, IN and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Mable; seven brothers, Levi, Menno, Henry, Samuel, John, Allan & Enos and four sisters, Irene, Amanda, Edna & Bertha.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-7PM and Friday from 9:30-11AM at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson.  Private services will be held with burial following in Oakdale Cemetery.  Masks and social distancing will be required at the church.  The committal service is public at 11:45AM at Oakdale.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Signal Home Health & Hospice, 6133 Rockside Rd., Suite 415, Independence, OH  44131 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN  38105.

The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson is privileged to serve the Joe Miller family.  Express condolences, view obituary or light a candle at fleming-billman.com.

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