Wilbur “Butch” Miller

wilbur miller

Wilbur “Butch” Miller
October 5, 1928 — March 30, 2016

A pitcher and a catcher were lifelong friends. They often wondered if there was softball in heaven. They promised each other that whoever died first would come back and tell the other if there was softball in heaven. Years had passed since then, and the pitcher was remembering his friend, who had long passed from this world. There was a knock at the door, and it was his dear friend the catcher! The pitcher was so excited to see his friend. The catcher said that he had good news and bad news to report. The good news was that there is indeed softball in heaven with beautiful fields and crowds of fans. The pitcher was pleased to hear the good news and asked what could possibly be bad news. The catcher replied, “You are scheduled to pitch tonight.”

Butch Miller was called up to play center field for Heaven’s Angels on March 30, 2016.

He began his love of softball on Grant Street. The youngest of eight siblings, they were never hard up for players. Irene, Lewis, Edward, Marjorie, Clayton “Pete”, and Robert have all passed before Butch. Ruby Quince is the last surviving sibling born to Louis and Martha Miller.

After graduating from Peru High School in 1946, Butch went to work for NIPSCO until his retirement in 1986. In his free time, Butch pursued his love of softball. He was an original member of the Peru fast pitch softball team which won several Indiana State Championships in the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s. They were so good, in fact, that in 1960, the Husky Harlans traveled to Long Island, New York to play in the Fast Pitch World Classic. They lost to Oklahoma City and Detroit, but what a ride for the Peru Husky Harlans!

Softball was not Butch’s only love. He married Barbara Stewart (deceased) and began his family. Surviving are his wife Rachel Miller (married August 3, 1993), daughters, Vicki Pacey, Carolyn Daly, Lori Booker, Linda Miller Hall and his son, Jim Miller. Surviving are thirteen grandchildren, Ian and Nathan Pacey, John and Josh Musall, Erin (Miller) Marburger, Jordan (Miller) Tucker, Casey (Miller) Glassley, Peter, Samuel, and Aaron Booker, Ryan and Zack Howard, Brianne (Howard) Dininger, step-children Jo (Jim) Gierse, Patricia (Gregg) Carrick, Gary and David Mannies and four step-grandchildren. Also surviving are 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Preceding him in death were grandsons James Miller and Blaine Howard. He was also preceded in death by wives Barbara Stewart Miller and Beverly (Hoff) Miller. The greatest love of Butch’s life was always our Heavenly Father. He was an active member of Oakdale Baptist Church, serving in many capacities. He was a gentle, compassionate soul who loved people and was always happy to share the good news of Christ. Wherever he went, he always told people, “God bless you and enjoy God’s blessings.”

With his passing, we will miss his smile and wonderful sense of humor, but we know where he is and probably what he is doing. On his behalf, we would like to say to all, “God bless you, and enjoy God’s blessings.”

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at the Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Oakdale Baptist Church, with Rev. Robert Stuck officiating.  Burial will follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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