Nilas L. “Red” Miller, 77, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, and is now reunited with the love of his life, Bev (BJ). He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, and brother.
Born in Bremen, Indiana on July 15, 1945, Red was the son of Welcome Lamar and Beatrice Lucille (Brown) Miller. He graduated from Tyner High School and spent his younger years raising horses with his family on their farm.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War on December 9, 1965. Before being deployed, Red would marry Beverly Jo Henderson in South Bend, Indiana on December 27, 1965. Red would be Honorably Discharged on December 8, 1971.
Returning to the states, Red went into electrical training through trade school. He would become a member of the IBEW Local 153 and was recently awarded with his 50-year member certificate. During his career, he worked at Koontz-Wagner in South Bend until his retirement. Those who had the opportunity to work alongside Red will remember him for his wisdom, immense leadership and kindness.
Red enjoyed being involved in his community and selflessly giving back to others. He was awarded in 2022 for his 47 years as a Marshall County 4-H Leader and served on the John Glenn School Board. He was a member of Blissville Church of the Brethren and served as a past board member, deacon and volunteered his time and talents to support the church. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Tyner 821 Lodge. Again, holding various positions but especially enjoyed the countless fish fry events, that his father helped start. Through these activities, not only did Red make a positive impact on others, he built lifelong friendships.
He could be found in his spare time, holding a fishing pole and loved taking fishing trips, boating and spending time on the water with his friends and family. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent countless hours tending to his beautiful gardens. Additionally, Red was an avid racing fan and loved watching and attending events over the years. One of his fondest memories was getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car and experiencing the thrill of speeding around the track.
His greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He adored his daughters, and they were the light of his life. He enjoyed the simplicity of an evening spent together, sharing stories and laughing at the many moments in life that will be remembered and recounted, time and time again. His sense of humor and unparalleled love and support will live on through his family and friends, serving as a testament to the profound impact he had on his loved ones.
He is survived by his three daughters, Tammy (Mike) White of Bloomington, IL, Angie (Brett) Schultz of Wakarusa, IN and Kristin (Jeff) Hylek of Oswego, IL; and beloved dog, Oliver. Red is dearly missed by his eight beautiful grandchildren and 4, soon to be 5, great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Betty (Ralph) Berkeypile, Lucy (Ken) Reimer and Terry Miller as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Red was preceded in death by his parents, his wife BJ on September 12, 2021, daughter Pamela Sue, and sister Jill Stacy.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 11-1 p.m. in Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. The Tyner Odd Fellows will perform a memorial rite at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services with Jim Mobus officiating. Burial will follow in Tyner Cemetery, Tyner.
A celebration of Red’s life will immediately follow at the Tyner Odd Fellows Lodge in Tyner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Give an Hour (https://giveanhour.org/give/), Give an Hour, PO Box 1532, Clarksburg, MD 20871. Through their Military and Veteran programming, they provide mental health care, educational tools, resources and support at no cost.
David Gutierrez says
RIP Red we love and enjoy your family
Bob & Donna Taber Whitmer says
Dear Betty & Family,
Sincere condolences for your loss. RIP
Dave Drews says
So very sorry for your loss! 🙏🙏🙏
Barbara Cole says
So sorry to hear that your father has passed away. It is never never easy to have your parents pass. Prayers and sympathy to your whole family as you grieve. Remember the joy and happy days and memories of great days.
Ann (Serf) Janes - Bev's cousin says
Tammy, Angie, Kristin & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your beloved father’s passing. He certainly was a very special gentleman. He and your mom enjoyed many years together and were wonderful role models for all of us. Red had a quiet, unassuming manor that spoke volumes. Please know that all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Betty Berkeypile says
Nilas was born 1 1/2 years after I and also had red hair. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and brother. We shared many years on Saturday cleaning the manure from the barns but we really had a good time with the ponies and horses we had on the farm. Every Saturday, after the barns were cleaned, we had numerous friends to ride the horses and ponies, they guys camped out in the woods and just had a great time. One time Nilas and Terry and some of their friends camped out and decided to cook pork and beans on an open campfire, however, they didn’t open the can and it exploded throughout the woods, we found beans for a long time. He was my fair buddy and I’ll deeply miss that time but he was a wonderful friend and we spent a lot of time talking on the phone. I’m so glad he’s no longer suffering and is in heaven with BJ and Pamela. Love you Nilas until we meet again.
Ren Van Gilder says
“Red” was one heck of a:
Great guy
Great friend
and
Great Lodge Brother.
Sincere sympathy,
Ren Van Gilder
Dan Sterzik says
Sorry for your loss. My husband & I both worked for Koontz-Wagner. Red was a friendly, kind, hard working man.
Cindy Burch says
Nilas you were a kind,caring,man you will always be remembered and missed.Thank you for your devotion to Blissville and your family and friends.
Carolyn Fouts Kelly says
Dear Terry,
I am sorry to learn of your brother’s passing. My prayers and sympathy to you and your family. God bless you.
Devon Stull says
Betty, Terry & entire Family,
My sincere condolences to all of Nilsa’s family. I have known Nilas starting at about six years old and the interactions as children and young adults through out the years and later as Lodge Brothers. Nilas has alway been a great guy. I have utmost respect for the man he was and he will be dearly missed.
All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers as I will not be able to be there, for the ceremonies and celebration of life, due to being in Florida.
James Gilmer says
Jim Gilmer here – from the Teegarden days. I wanted to make it over on Friday, but there were several important issues that arose for me. I wanted to share some memories from those great days when Nilas and Bev and their daughters were part of the Teegarden Brethren church. The daughters might be interested in knowing that their good friend and children’s church pastor, Treasure, my wife, went on to be with the Lord herself on June 27 of this very year. There is no condolence that is to be compared to knowing that Nilas and Bev were believers and that the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross and the victory of His resurrection was and is their own hope for eternity. As Paul said, you will grieve, but “not as those who have no hope!” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). May the firm comfort of sure hope in the faithfulness of God in Christ Jesus sustain you!!
Michael Maeyens says
I had the honor of working with Red on several projects at Koontz-Wagner. Red was an excellent foreman and worker. I am proud of having known him