Charles L. "Charlie" Miller

Charles L. “Charlie” Miller, 83, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Ottawa Retirement Village. Family will meet with friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2014, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 24, 2014, at Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, Kansas with military honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Charlie was born Thursday, August 27, 1931, in Wellsville, Kansas, the son of Albert C. and Elizabeth N. (Victor) Miller. He grew up in Wellsville, moving to Ottawa where he lived for many years. During his military carrier, he lived in several locations, including Minnesota, Texas and Kansas. He returned to Ottawa in 1999, moving from Bedford, Texas, where resided twelve years. He graduated from Wellsville High School with the class of 1950. Charlie was united in marriage with Dottie Watts May 25, 1955, in Wellsville. They later divorced. Survivors include his three sons, Layman Miller and wife Carol of Ottawa, Leonard Miller also of Ottawa, and Lonnie Miller of Ft. Worth, Texas; nine grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Leigh Ann Miller; brother, Orville Miller; and grandson, Codie Prochaska. Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Navy for twenty years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1974. Prior to his service in the Navy, he served two years in the Army during the Korean War in an artillery unit. He was past District Commander and member of the VFW post of Wellsville, Wellsville Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M., 32nd degree Scottish Rite Masons, Abdullah Shrine Temple Overland Park, Kansas, and Shriner’s International. Charlie was a warm and caring man who loved his family and friends and their time spent together. He enjoyed fishing, car shows, KU basketball, sightseeing in the country and a good meal and conversation. Charlie’s loss is felt by all who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed. The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Care Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Mr. Miller’s Celebration Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.