Wayne Miller

Wayne Miller, son of Franklin Scott and Naomi Velma Buckner Miller was born June 12, 1930 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life to be with our Lord on March 12, 2011 at the age of 80 years and 9 months. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter DeAnn Fell, Sister Modene Watie, Brother Gaylord Miller and step grandson Jordan Fell. Wayne is survived by a very loving family that includes his wife of over 58 years Ernestine Miller of the home in Stilwell, OK, children Stephen Miller and wife Tammi of Tulsa, OK, Joe David Miller and wife Charla of Stilwell, OK, Son in law Glen Fell of Tulsa, OK, grandchildren Rebecca and Ben Miller of Tulsa, OK, Bryce and Katelyn Miller of Stilwell, OK, Margaret Fell of Tulsa, OK. Step granddaughter Desiree Fell of Tulsa, OK, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive him. Wayne secured his eternal future by an early acceptance of Christ as Savior. Ordination as deacon while a member of Tahlequah First Baptist in 1963 was followed by in service capacity at Tulsa Baptist Churches: Madison Avenue, Harvard Avenue and Crowell Heights until retirement that included a move back to an Adair County Farm Home. Wayne joined the Marines after high school and upon completing his duty in the service, he returned home to Stilwell where he was employed for sometime as a bus driver and dozer operator. He and Ernestine were married on October 16, 1952 and a move to Ulysses, Kansas where Stephen was born. In 1955 they moved to Tulsa, OK which in turn brought both employment at McDonald Douglas Aircraft and DeAnns birth. In the late 1950s, he began work at Clarence Worleys , Sooner Plumbing Company when he soon moved to Tahlequah to open a branch shop. It was during this time, son Joe David was born. A return move to Tulsa in 1965 involved a wider scope of skills including projects at Tulsa Hospitals: Osteopathic, Hillcrest, St. Johns, and St. Francis. New construction at Childrens Medical Center, Tulsa University, Oral Roberts University and a downtown high rise and the Claremore Indian Hospital filled many of his work years. His group had already installed much of the underground work on the controversial Black Fox nuclear project located near Inola before it was cancelled due to anti nuclear activist protest. He was later offered a supervisory position on the plumbing and mechanical work at the current W.W. Hastings hospital in Tahlequah but he was already committed to completing another project. Most of these work years involved membership in the local plumbers and pipefitters union which was an avenue for a good stable income. His spiritual gift was a ministry of HELPS though which he assisted small congregations with limited resources as they needed practical help such as installing Baptistries, heating units and the church parsonage. He was always on his local churches Building and Grounds Committee. A great joy in his life was working with church youth. He first taught Jr High boys in a small church, and then served as Director of a rather large Senior High department at Harvard Avenue Baptist church for years followed by generalized youth work from the nursery to the high school youth at Crowell Heights. His home was always open to any youth. In the early 70s a purchase of some rural mountainous acreage reflected his lifetime love and interest in hunting and fishing lead to the building of a cabin for use by family and friends. His Stilwell grandchildren have spent every hunting season at the camp since year of birth. Many church youth groups over the years have enjoyed their time and use of the cabin. While the more noticeable spiritual gifts are described in 1 Corinthians 12:27, 28 and are more frequently desired, the amplified versions use of the word helpers should bring contentment to those of us who use our gifts in serving the community of faith each in his own place. Wayne was always faithful in his willingness to use his tools and skills wherever possible and needed. Funeral services were held at RobertsReedCulver Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Tony Burnette officiating. Interment followed at Elm Grove Cemetery under the direction of RobertsReedCulver Funeral Home.