Richard L. "Rick" Miller Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard L. “Rick” Miller, age 71, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Sunshine Gardens of Marion. Rick was born on Wednesday, July 31, 1946 in Vincennes, IN, the son of Robert and Oneta “Nita” Mae (Widdows) Miller. He grew up and attended school in Vincennes, graduating from Vincennes High School and continued his education at COE College in Cedar Rapids, IA. He answered the call of his country by enlisting into the United States Air Force. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged in August of 1970, with the rank of Sergeant. Rick was united in marriage to Dianne L. Carlson on Saturday, April 5, 1969 in Liberal, KS and together they have shared nearly 49 years of marriage. His career was with American General Finance in Marion and retired after forty-one years. He was a long time member of the Marion Elks Lodge #800 and had at one time served as Chaplin. In his spare time Rick enjoyed the outdoors, spending time boating, jet skiing, and golfing. He also enjoyed grilling out, playing yard games, and working in his yard. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and looked forward to the many times they shared together. The many memories created will be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Miller of Marion; two sons, Jeff Miller and his wife, Carrie, of Broomfield, CO and Derek Miller and his wife Jocelyn of Marion; granddaughter, Brooklyn Miller of Broomfield, CO; grandson, Cassiel Miller of Marion; sister, Gloria Morrison and her husband Hugh of Lakeworth, FL; brother, Robert G. Miller of North Fort Myers, FL; other extended family; and many friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. The visitation was from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the funeral home. During the visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute was presented to the family and friends and featured special people, places, and events of Rick’s life. Following the visitation, at 2:00 p.m. Elks Rites were conducted by members of the Marion Elks Lodge #800 at the funeral home. Members of the Marion Elks Lodge #800 participating were Exalted Ruler, Randy Patchett, Esquire, Mitch Strang, Est. Loyal Knight, Ralph Graham, Est. Lecturing Knight, Ted Clendenin, and Chaplain, Tatia Strang. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett and “Toes” by the Zac Brown Band. Military honors were accorded at the funeral home by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 of Marion and members of the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Burial Detail. Those participating were Commander of the Day and Chaplin, Art Ambros, National Colors, John Andrew, Color Guard, Herbert Robinson, Bugler, Bill Rice Sr., and Firing Squad, Gene Broombaugh, Bill Hampsey, Merlin Koester, Chris Payne, and bob Wallace. Members of the United States Air Force participating were Airman First Class, Nicholas Prebys and Senior Airman, Philip Gray. Presentation of the flag was presented by Senior Airman, Philip Gray. Those serving as pallbearers were members of the Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 of Marion. Following the service at the funeral home, family and friends gathered at the Marion Elks Lodge #800 for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. The family requested that those attending wear yellow to celebrate Rick’s life, he always considered anyone wearing yellow to be a happy person. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to the “Elks National Foundation” and mailed in care of the funeral home. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Richard L. "Rick" Miller

July 31, 1946 - February 22, 2018