Charles Miller

Charles D. Miller, age 93, of Kalamazoo passed away December 18, 2024. He was born August 10, 1931, in La Porte, Indiana to the late Alfred J. and Vivian A. (Petersen) Miller.

Charlie graduated from high school in 1949 in La Porte, IN. He worked at Mongomery Ward during high school and became a manager there after graduating. He left Montgomery Ward when he was drafted into the Army in 1952. He served honorably in Korea from 1953-1954 in the 84th Engineers Construction Battalion, helping with bridge construction over the Imjin River during the Korean War.

After his discharge from the service, Charlie moved to Kalamazoo to attend Western Michigan University on the GI bill. It was there he met the love of his life, Doris M. Frazier, in 1956-they graduated together in 1958. Charlie was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity while at WMU and continued those friendships for the rest of his life.

After graduating, Doris started working as an art teacher for the Kalamazoo Public Schools, and Charlie started his career as a State Farm Insurance Agent. They were married on July 15th, 1961, at Kanley Chapel on WMU's campus. Charlie spent the next 40 years working for State Farm until his retirement in 1998.

Charlie and Doris owned a condo in South Haven for over 30 years and spent them enjoying their friends, the beach, and all the shops and restaurants. They cherished 59 years together until Doris passed on December 24, 2020.

Charlie was a long-time avid fan of WMU football and basketball and was a season ticket holder to both sports for many years. Growing up in Northwest Indiana also made him a lifetime Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Doris M. Miller (Frazier); brothers, James A. (Rose) Miller of La Porte and Jack C. Miller of South Bend; and brothers-in-law, Jack R. Bennett and James (Phyllis) Frazier.

He is survived by his son, Gregory C. Miller (Amanda); daughter, Christine M. Miller; sisters-in-law, Patsy Miller, Elsie Bennett (Frazier), and Mary Jane (Frazier) and Tom Evans; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held for Charlie in the springtime. He will be laid to rest with his wife, Doris, in Genessee Prairie Cemetery.

Charlie was a member of the Westside Kiwanis Organization for 58 years. He spent many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels and as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Charlie also made a longtime commitment to the American Red Cross, donating over 20 gallons of blood.

Contributions in memory of Charles may be made to Milestone Senior Services, The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, or the WMU Mike Gary Fund.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.