Joel Clifford Miller

Joel Clifford Miller, age 74 of Covington, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023 at Ohio Hospice of Miami County.  Joel was born in Piqua on January 25, 1948 to the (late) Clifford & Ruth (Hedrick) Miller; was a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1967; was a U.S. Navy Veteran 1968-1972 serving during the Vietnam War.  During his time in the service, he served at the White House as a ceremonial guard and participated in many funerals, including President Eisenhower’s.  Joel also was in Nixon’s Inaugural parade and stood during the welcoming of French President deGaulle to the White House.  After those two years, he served aboard the USS Midway, serving in the executive office and also was chosen to stand during the changing of command ceremony aboard the ship.  Joel was a member of the Covington Church of the Brethren, Covington Eagles Aerie #3998, and Covington Newberry Historical Society; enjoyed bowling in the past; loved watching the birds outside his window; enjoyed going to car shows with his award winning 1955 Ford Crown Victoria; worked for Hartzell Fan, Arens Corporation, and ITW (Hobart Manufacturing) for 32 years before retiring after suffering a stroke in August, 2010; for 22 years he spent a lot of time on his hobby of searching for Indian artifacts in the fields around their country home and some of those items date back to 12,000 BC.  Joel’s way of thanking his caregivers over the years was giving them something from his collection, this was truly his legacy to everyone he touched.  Preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Chad Adams; his father and mother-in-law, Maurice & Esther Adams; and his dog, Peaches.  Joel is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Kathryn K. (Adams) Miller, whom he married on December 1, 1973; sister, Donna Lynn Gayhart of Washington; brothers-in-law, Larry & Alana Adams, Kenny & Connie Adams; sister-in-law, Annette & Tom Francis; nieces and nephews, Jodi Adams, Lucas Moyer, Brandon (Christina) Moyer, Brittany (Craig Wendel) Adams, Logan (Jessica) Adams, Clete (Holly) Francis, Sara Francis, Greg Gayhart, Mandy Gayhart; great-nieces and great-nephews, Keelin, Zoey, Eva, Kelsey, Austin, Allison, Madison, McKenzie, Caiden, Kendale, Quinten, Liddie, Haisley, Logan, McKenna, Carter, Cadence, Maria, Terrell, Anthony, Aleeyah, & Kianna; and his dog, Diva.  Although Joel and Kathy were not blessed with children of their own, they always considered their nieces and nephews as their own.  Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday at the Covington Church of the Brethren with Pastor Mike Yingst officiating.  Interment Highland Cemetery, Covington with Military Honors provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad.  Visitation will be 5-8 PM Friday at the church. (Flannel shirts and jeans are appropriate attire) Kathy would like to thank the Piqua Manor, where Joel spent many days during the past 12 years for therapy and he was lovingly assisted and cared for as though he was a family member.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covington Fire & Rescue Department, Covington Newberry Historical Society, or Covington Church of the Brethren.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joel Clifford Miller, please visit our floral store.