Harold Eugene Miller

Harold E. Miller, 89, was taken to his heavenly home on October 25, 2017, succumbing to a heart attack in his home in Topeka, Kansas. Harold's prayers to God were answered as he died in his home after enjoying a beautiful autumn day of sunshine, in full possession of his faculties, and in the loving arms of his eldest daughter.

Harold was born at home in Topeka on June 16, 1928 to L. Guy and Anna E. Miller, and was the youngest of two sons and a daughter. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1946. After returning from overseas in 1952, he was married to Berneal "Bee" Kettner on September 21st. They enjoyed more than 64 years together before God called her home just 9 months ago. Harold was devoted to Bee and their five children, who will miss them both terribly. He loved his family deeply, had an unshakeable faith in God, and honored his Maker by doing his utmost in everything he undertook.

Harold was an Army veteran serving 12 months overseas in the Korean War as a communications specialist, earning a Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars and combat infantry badge. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Master Sergeant after 7 years of service. He was an electrician for Shrake Electric for 32 years and a lifelong member of the IBEW Local #226 as well as National and International Brotherhoods. He became a Scouting leader twice—once for each son, more than 20 years apart—holding important positions at both troop and district levels. He was a lifelong member and active volunteer in St. John's Lutheran Church. He and his wife, Bee, enjoyed their time as choir members. He never missed church, arrived early to tape sermons for shut-ins, spearheaded fundraising for a new building addition to the church and was involved in its design and construction. After retiring at age 62, he continued working as a precision draftsman and mechanical and electrical troubleshooter at Lardner Cut Stone even still at the age of 89 years old.

Harold was excellent at fast pitch softball as a pitcher for St. John's team. He was an engaging conversationalist and regaled with endless fascinating stories at every opportunity. He had friends everywhere in Topeka. It seemed he knew everyone in town and everything about the town. In recent years he especially enjoyed visiting his friends at the Glazed Goose or having lunch at Taco Villa. He was an avid KU Jayhawk fan, enjoyed golfing, the shooting range, repairing anything that needed fixing, organizing everything in sight, keeping a well groomed yard and doing anything that kept his mind sharp as a tack. He was always willing to come to the aid of a friend or family member. He was intelligent, had a great sense of humor, and a keen memory for all kinds of fascinating details. Even at the end of his life, he had control over his mind to his last breath. A tireless worker, demanding, precise, a great storyteller, friend to countless people, he will be tremendously missed by all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Berneal, and survived by his children and their spouses—Chip E. Miller (Daffodil), Kim Miller, Pam Sill (Steve), Sandy Hardesty (Steve), Mark Miller (Jessica)—and his grandchildren—Quentin, Jade, Dakota, Blake and Raegan.

The viewing will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2017, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore St, Topeka, KS 66606. The family will greet friends and relatives during a viewing an hour prior to the service at church. Burial will follow the service at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 6th & Gage, Topeka, KS. A light reception will be held at the church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Building Fund.

To leave a message for the family online or to share a story or a favorite memory, please visit the guestbook below.