Visitation
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions
Service
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Generous Hands
P.O. Box 313
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 370-7965
Web Site
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
Life Story / Obituary
Bob Miller may have been a man of few words when expressing his love, yet he extended his love in numerous ways when it came to the love he held for family. Bob was a hard worker, and responsible to the core, he enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He never asked for much, although he gave from the heart in a multitude of ways. By far his greatest joy was found in the family and friends he treasured.
By 1947, the end of World War II continued to find families caught in a housing shortage. Many young couples beginning families of their own lived with their parents for a time while newly developed suburban neighborhoods were being built, and in high demand. The post- war economy boomed as the need for consumer goods rose, and manufacturing jobs were plentiful. Through these changing times in the Michigan city of Battle Creek, the cold winter days were beginning to thaw when on March 18, 1947, Fred and Beatrice (Carr) Miller also found themselves overjoyed in welcoming their new bundle of baby boy, Robert into their arms.
The youngest of four, Bob experienced the joys of childhood growing up in Vicksburg, Michigan alongside his siblings, Shirley, Beverly, and Ron. His parents owned Miller Auto Parts in Vicksburg on Portage Road and VW. By all accounts, Bob enjoyed the typical adventures of childhood while being raised during a time of progress and innovation. Holidays were spent surrounded by family where numerous memories were made. He also enjoyed the friendships of a close few, and like many young men his age, he found his share of shenanigans, too. In high school Bob played some football and tennis before graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1965, even as his thoughts were focused on cars, being outdoors and most certainly, girls.
There was one young woman who captured Bob's heart from the moment he met her. He met Darlene VanderHorst when he was in the tenth grade and they soon became high school sweethearts. They dated for a time and before long their relationship soon came to include love. On April 22, 1967, they shared vows of marriage before family and friends. As a couple, they held fast to their hopes and dreams of what the future could hold.
To support his new bride, Bob worked at the Rheems Corporation building hot water heaters for about six years. It was during this time when together he and Darlene welcomed the births of their two children, Scott and Bobbi Jo. Bob loved his family dearly, and his children brought him much pride and joy. Through the years memorable times were shared and enjoyed as a family. Christmas was always a fun-filled time around their home as it Bob’s most treasured holiday.
Eventually, Bob went into the bricklayer trade joining the Bricklayers Union Local 17 where he served his apprenticeship and became a journeyman. Along with his partner, Terry Amos, he and Bob formed A & M Masonry. Needless to say, their business motto was, “Laid to last.” It didn’t matter what Bob was doing. Whether he was around the house puttering or on the job, he was always meticulous and well organized in whatever he did.
Bob’s family was his greatest passion, and his two companion boxers, Miah and Abby were always by Bob’s side and considered part of the family. From his earliest years, Bob had a penchant for cars. He currently has a beautiful black Corvette. Bob had a love for travel, too. He always enjoyed visiting the Sebastian area of Florida and he so enjoyed the several cruises he and Darlene had the opportunity to go on to the islands. Even still, Bob’s favorite place to be was sitting in his favorite chair relaxing. Although Bob wasn’t much for cooking himself, he loved several of Darlene’s specialties.
A hard working man, Bob Miller was just as responsible for caring for those entrusted to his care. Not only was he a dedicated and devoted husband and father, he was also someone with whom others could rely as a brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. Meticulous and organized in every respect, Bob knew how to keep things in order and in perspective. He was a man who served by his actions, and for those who knew and loved him, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Robert A. Miller, of Vicksburg, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; two children, Scott and Bobbi Jo Miller both of Portage; three siblings: Shirley (Russell) Combs of Vicksburg, Beverly (Bob) Brcka of Kalamazoo, and Ron Miller of Vicksburg. He is preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Beatrice Miller.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI (269-649-1697). Bob’s family will receive friends on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 AM until his service begins. Burial in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park.
Please visit Bob’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of bob and sign his online guestbook. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to Generous Hands.