Virgil Miller

Virgil James Miller, 99, a long-time Dewey, Oklahoma resident died Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville. Virgil James Miller was born May 1, 1912 in Nevada, Missouri, the son of Ollie and Lena Belle (Richardson) Miller. The Miller family moved to Bartlesville in 1918 where Eastland Shopping Center is now located. He was reared and received his education in Bartlesville, attending the Washington Elementary School and the Tuxedo Elementary School. He also attended the Bartlesville Central Junior-Senior High school graduating with the Senior Class of 1930. Virgil was united in marriage to Lucille Johnson in 1935 and they celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary in 1990. It is fitting that Virgil passed away on Valentine's Day, as this was the day that he always published Lucille's photo and a Valentine poem in the newspaper, demonstrating his love and devotion to his beloved late wife. He worked at Dewey Portland Cement Company, and then performed his duties as Washington County Deputy Assessor for 30 years. He served three years in our U.S. Navy mostly in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. During the "Cold War" in the 1950s, he and Lucille served in the local U.S. Air Force's "Ground Observer Corps" in a supervisory manner. He also served as Washington County Civil Defense Director in 1958-1959. Virgil and Lucille worked side-by-side for many years in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star in Dewey. Virgil served as Worshipful Master of Dewey Lodge #466, in 1972, and Worthy Patron of Dewey Eastern Star #312 in 1968. Virgil was a member of the First Christian Church, Dewey. He was a "People Person". He loved not only, his personal family, but his family at Tallgrass Estates. He also enjoyed attending, when possible, the weekly meetings at Arvest Bank. He was a regular contributor to the "Off the Cuff" newspaper column. A train regularly ran on the tracks behind his home in Dewey and on holidays, he would make large signs for the train conductors, wishing them a happy holiday. Survivors include Virgil's niece, Linda Passmore and his nephew, Larry Miller; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws; numerous other nieces and nephews; and many other beloved friends. Visitation for Virgil will be held on Thursday, February 16, from 9 AM-9 PM in the Dewey Funeral Home, 802 N.Cherokee, Dewey. Services for Mr. Miller will be held on Friday, February 17, at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church of Dewey, 300 E. 10th St. Graveside services, committal prayers and interment will be directed in the Dewey Cemetery. Full Masonic rites will be conducted by the Bartlesville Masonic Lodge #284 A.F. & A.M. Full military rites will be accorded Mr. Miller by the James H. Teel American Legion Post #105. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dewey Funeral Home.