Marshall M. Miller, 90, went to be with his Lord January 7, 2015. He was born to Ellery J. & Pauline (Kroll) Miller in Colfax at his grandparent's home on March 28, 1924. He grew up in the Wilcox area and attended school in Colfax. He was active in gymnastics, track, and Boy Scouts. He was an avid athlete and sportsman, meeting his wife-to-be at an ice skating party when he was 18. In 1944, at age 20, he enlisted in the Navy, serving two years in WWII as an Electrician's Mate on a Cruiser patrolling near the Aleutian Islands. At age 21, he made the most important decision in life when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. This made a huge impact on the way he lived his life and changed him into the man that is loved today.
Returning from the war, Marshall married his sweetheart, Lucile Ensley on April 10, 1946. 10 days after the wedding they moved to the Augustus Miller homestead in the Wilcox area and began farming. They lived there for 11 years, then moved over the hill, making their home in the Onecho area for 57 years, until moving to the Courtyard in Colfax this October.
Connecting with friends & enthusiasts the world over, ham radio caught his attention with the call "W7PLH". Additionally, Marshall was a creative designer and builder, from electronics to mechanical projects, a self-made engineer. His works around the community are reminders of his handiwork. He had many shop projects, and even after his official retirement in 1996, he continued helping his two sons however he could on the farm.
As a dad, Marshall was active and involved with his children, teaching them Morse Code, how to roller skate, ice skate, water ski and snow ski, etc., keeping up his passion for snow skiing until age 72. He was a man with a zest for life and a love for others, with a servant heart. He taught the value of hard work and the importance of others, leading by example. Loving music, he played the harmonica and keyboard and the family will certainly miss his rendition of "Happy Birthday" on the harmonica.
He was associated with several farm organizations and he served on the board for Union Gospel Mission. His heart was centered at serving in his local church; a vital camping ministry, teaching Sunday school, and leading youth groups, as well as serving on various boards and committees.
After retirement, Marshall and Lucile enjoyed traveling around the National Parks and several states, especially Hawaii.
The Fruit of the Spirit was exemplified in this wonderful man we call Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Grandpa Great. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lucile, and leaves behind a rich legacy of four children, Doug (Loretta), Roger (Marilyn), Cathy Morgan (Alan) and Dean (Freda), twelve grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Georgia Stanley and his brother Howard Miller.
Committal will be held at the Onecho cemetery on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 10:00, with memorial service to follow at 11:30 at Colfax First Baptist Church. Viewing will be Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bruning Funeral Home. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Colfax First Baptist Church Missions or the Union Gospel Mission, Spokane.