Obituary for Charles Miller

Charles M. Miller

December 9, 1934 – August 5, 2018

Major Charles Maxwell Miller went to be with his Lord, Jesus, on August 5, 2018, preceding his wife by five days. Charles led a very principled life, consistently demonstrating how “Rangers lead the way!”

Charles was born on December 9, 1934 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in 1952, and then attended Oklahoma University. He graduated from OU in 1956 and entered the US Army for two years. In November of 1958, he left active duty for active reserve, where he served for twenty more years, thirteen of which he served in Special Forces. After leaving active duty, he joined the family business, Miller Mortgage Company and Miller Insurance Agency. Charles took over the businesses in 1978 upon the death of his father and operated them until 1995 when he sold the businesses and went into management at Sykes Enterprises. In 1970, he married the former Barbara Mock, class of 1957. He raised 2 sons and 2 daughters, instilling many core values of his own. These include: Never burn a bridge, always be on time, never be afraid to fail, always make your bed, turn off the lights, never leave a door open to air condition the outside, never throw gravel out of the driveway by peeling out, never sit him under a fan or vent in a restaurant, don’t mow his yard, don’t put food in the trash compactor, and sometimes you just “have to take the mail down the trail”. He was loved by many and respected by all. Charles held a deep love of God, the military, his country, and serving his community, but was fiercely devoted to his family. He served as president of Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association, as well as the Oklahoma Sport Parachute Association and was a member of the Special Forces Association. He participated in the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, Tippers Club, Rotary Club where he once held the office of president, Ambassador’s Club, Marland Estate Commission, and Airport Management Board. Charles played an active role in creating Kaw Lake by leading the demolition team in the destruction of bridges and other structures.

“Five O’Clock Charlie” enjoyed gardening, mowing his yard, cooking out, tinkering in his workshop, and working on his computer. Both he and Barbara enjoyed traveling, but he always looked forward to returning to his home when it was all over. He left this world exactly where he wanted to, from home, surrounded by family.

He and his wife, Barbara Miller, are survived by his children, Bill Miller, Bob Miller, Kelly Miller, and Wendy Trenary. He was blessed with 10 grand children, Charles and David Miller, Peyton and Hailey Miller, Kelsey and Kyler Crass, and Schuyler, Hunter, Chelsey and Tristan Trenary. He also has one great grandchild, Elaina Rae Trenary. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Luther and Louis Miller, and his sisters Marjorie Brookshire and Marilyn Rogers.

Airborne, All the Way!

A joint celebration of life for Charles and Barbara will be held at Northeast Baptist Church at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 17, 2018. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday and Thursday with the family to be at the funeral home from 5-7 pm on Thursday evening. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home