Eugene Miller

EUGENE R. MILLER, 71, of Charleston, IL, passed away at 5:42 P.M. Friday, April 16, 2010 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Central Christian Church 915 W. Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL. Rev. Jack Howard officiated. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Monday, April 19, 2010 at Central Christian Church in Charleston, IL. Edwards Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Eugene was born July 19, 1938 in Arthur, IL. He was a son of Roman D. and Katie (Otto) Miller. He married Joyce Washburn January 6, 1957 in Mattoon, IL, she passed away December 28, 2006. He later married Reenie Stokes July 18, 2008 in Charleston, IL.

Survivors include his wife Reenie Miller of Charleston, IL; one son Brad E. Miller and his wife Kim of Toledo, IL; two daughters Karla J. Waltman and her husband Brad of Collierville, TN and Sandra K. Wheeler and her husband Dick of Westfield, IL; two stepchildren Matthew and his wife Crystol Peters of Mattoon, IL and Dr. Amy Flynn and her husband Dr. Sean Flynn of Effingham, IL; seven grandchildren Cami Carver, Aaron, Austin and Chris Miller, Melanie Waltman, Mike Young and his wife Natalie and Becky Clement and her husband Doug; four great-grandchildren Madison and Tori Young and Jacob and Nolan Clement; seven step grandchildren Zoie Peters, Chelsey Poorman, Cameron Valdez, Cassy Ramey and Bayleigh, Donavon and Cassidy Flynn; one brother Wilmer Miller and his wife Anna and six sisters Delsie Briskey, Fran Gingerich, Mattie Ulrich and her husband Earl, Irene Yoars, Katie Elfrink and Wanda Huckaby and her husband Chuck.

His parents, his first wife Joyce; one brother Willard and two sisters Wilma and Elnora along with one step-grandson, Connor Flynn preceded him in death.

Gene had been working across Illinois the last few years as a hearing technician and driver for the Lions of Illinois Foundation. He has also served across the country as one of Santa's special helpers. He was retired from Prudential Insurance Company. While insurance was his business, service was his way of life. He was a charter member of various organizations including Central Christian Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent, Sunday School teacher, elder, chairman of the elders and was on the mission committee. He was also a charter member of the Charleston Lions Club and held many positions for the Lions including District Governor and Foundation Trustee. He was the recipient of the Foundation Fellow award. He was also a charter member of the Charleston Booster Club. He coached for the Charleston Little League and the Babe Ruth League. Gene was a referee for basketball games and enjoyed being a part of the Charleston Holiday Tournament. Gene was a life long Cardinal fan and enjoyed making his award winning cinnamon rolls for the Charleston Lions Club food stand during the Coles County Fair. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials were made to the Lions of Illinois Foundation.