Philip Samuel Miller, 75, of rural LaGrange passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 11, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Phil was born on April 20, 1946 in Greenwood, Delaware to Ira and Ellen (Swartzendruber) Miller.
Phil grew up in Dry Fork, West Virginia where he graduated from Mountaineer High School. He furthered his education at Nashville Diesel Institute. Phil was proud of his West Virginia heritage and made many lifelong friends there. For over 50 years he gathered there with his family and friends for their annual deer hunting get-together. He loved to reminisce and tell stories about his early years in the hills of West Virginia.
Phil spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver. While working in Harrisonburg, Virginia, he met the love of his life, Rose Mishler. They were married September 1, 1973, at Shore Church and resided in LaGrange. Phil and Rose farmed in Busby, Alberta, Canada from 1975-77 and then returned to LaGrange County, where they have resided since. They currently operate Super Blend, Inc.
Phil was a soft spoken, kind, generous, humble, and caring man. He made friends easily wherever he travelled or lived. He loved NASCAR, antique John Deere tractors, duct tape, caulk, and pie. But most of all he loved Rose and spending time with family. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, and uncle. He was a very special uncle to all of his nieces and nephews and was especially fond of his great-nieces and nephews.
Phil was a member of the LaGrange Church of God and an active member of the Steuben County Antique Power Association.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rose Marie Miller LaGrange; his 105-year old father, Ira S. Miller of Dry Fork, WV; one brother, David (Susan) Miller of Dry Fork, WV; four sisters, Mary Lou Edmands of Hagerstown, MD, Debra (David) Welch of Oakland, MD, Keren (Rodney Palmer) Miller of Accident, MD, and Naomi (Sheldon) Martin of Lancaster, PA; Sisters-in-law Michele Miller of Sarasota FL, Mary Mishler of LaGrange, IN, Ruth (Ed) Basinger of Hesston, KS, and Retha Filhart of Coleman, MI; brother-in-law James Mishler of LaGrange, IN; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Preceding Philip in death are his mother Ellen Miller, stepmother Mary Olive Miller, brother Jonathan Miller, and brothers-in-law Danny Edmands, Eric Osborne, and John Wesley Mishler.
Viewing was held at Shore Church on Friday, February 18 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, February 19 from 10-11 a.m. with the funeral service to begin at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange. Memorial donations in Philip’s memory may be directed to Steuben County Antique Power Association (9284 W 400 S, Hudson, IN 46747) or Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center (PO Box 198, LaGrange, IN 46761).
Condolences may be left for the family www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com