Alvin J. Miller

Alvin J. Miller, 85, a lifelong area resident and farmer, died Sunday, February 20, 2017 at his residence.



Alvin was born the youngest of five boys on June 12, 1931 on the family farm to the late Ray and Minnie Marie (Spiegel) Miller. He grew up helping his dad and brothers on their farm and was a 1949 graduate of Mt. Zion High School. He served as class president all four years of high school and played on the basketball and baseball teams. Alvin was in love with a young lady named Jacqueline Ann Fairchild and the day she finished high school in 1951 was the day he proposed to her. She lovingly accepted and they shared nearly 63 years of creating wonderful memories until her death in August of 2014.



Alvin’s life revolved around farming and family. He farmed with his brother Jim, son Steve, and his nephews and he loved every season of it. He educated all four of his children about farm life by teaching them how to care for and show their 4-H livestock at the Crawford County Fair. He believed in doing things when they needed to be done and took pride in caring for the farm. During harvest season, he always made time to stop and give his children and later his grandchildren rides in the combine, which serves as a fond memory for all. More recently he would spend time each day looking at farm magazines, photo albums, and watching the deer outside his window. His loving caregivers, Elsie, Tracy, Suzie, and Nancy were there by his side and cherished by family members.



He was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion UMC. He was a proud member of the National Republican Party and the Grange. He also enjoyed many games of poker played with his buddies through the years.



Alvin is survived by four children, Beverly (Gary) Sipe, Charlene (Lary) Wagner, Diane (Randy) Fortner, and Steven (Debbie) Miller, all of Bucyrus; 12 grandchildren, Alicia, Monica, Christina, Dan, Sara, Jodi, Kathy, Nicole, Ryan, Tiffany, Stacy, and Adam; two step grandchildren, Michelle and Chad; 16 great grandchildren and nine step great grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Wilbur “Willie” Miller of Bucyrus as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, Alvin was preceded in death by three brothers, Warren, Carl and James Miller.



Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 24 and 10-11 Saturday at Wise Funeral Service where his funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Jackie Biederman officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Memorial contributions may be given to Mt. Zion UMC, Crawford County 4-H or a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral home.