Complete Story
01/19/2022
Obituary for Thomas E. Miller
Retired Funeral Director/Embalmer, Former Manager, and Father of Susan Dill, both of Snyder Funeral Homes
Words are from the lips, actions are from the heart. Tom Miller’s love was expressed through his career; dedication to his community; and acts of love and sacrifice for his family and friends. Never one to utter “the three words”, he showed his love in his day-to-day actions. Thomas E. “Tom” Miller, 68, and longtime dedicated funeral director of the Sunbury community died unexpectedly early Friday morning, January 14th in Bradenton, Florida.
He was born on September 24, 1953, in Kenton to Leo Miller and Erma L. (Oehler) Miller and graduated from Elgin High School in 1971. He earned degrees from The Ohio State University and Cincinnati College of MortuaryScience, where he served as an embalming laboratory assistant.
Tom was a tuba player in the band. One day the band director set him up with Patty Pickett, who was a majorette. They married on June 8, 1974. Together they shared 47 years, a lifelong partnership through thick and thin.
Tom began his career in funeral service with the Stofcheck Funeral Home in LaRue, where he also drove an ambulance and was a volunteer member of the Richwood Fire Department. In 1978, he became a funeral director with Snyder Funeral Homes in Marion. He went on to join as a partner with the Hughes-Kubach-Miller Funeral Home in 1985 for several years. While in Marion he was a member of St. Mary Church, Marion County, Easter Seals Society, and served as president of the Marion Noon Lions Club.
After serving as a team leader at Abbott & Company in Marion, he and his family moved to Sunbury in 1995 when he became the resident manager director with the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Homes, serving the Sunbury, Delaware, and Marengo communities. His career with Snyder Funeral Homes totaled 28 years until he retired in 2016 as manager of the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home in Sunbury. Dedicated to his profession and community, he took pride in the role as an embalmer and funeral director; a passion that inspired his oldest daughter Susan to follow in his footsteps.
A devoted Mason, he was Past Worshipful Master of Sparrow Lodge No. 400 F &AM serving 2005-2006 and had served as lodge Secretary since 2008 dual membership. He was a former member of Columbia Chapter No. 33 Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of St. John Neumann Church, the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Tom could fix anything mechanical or electrical in nature. In his younger years, he was fond of music and played the bass guitar with a local Marion Band. Tom enjoyed a passion for dining experiences and the camaraderie which accompanied it. Whether experiencing a new restaurant, creating cheeseballs for a Masonic fund drive, or making something special for dinner on the grill, he was always a willing participant.
Over the years he and his wife, Pat loved to travel and camp in their RV. He was always planning for the next trip and adventure. Together they traveled coast to coast. For a number of years, the Miller served as Volunteer Hosts at the Delaware State Park. His love for camping was shared with his daughter Heather together they would plan long weekends away creating priceless family memories.
Tom was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, who treasured time spent with his family and attending the activities of his grandchildren. He possessed a soft heart for the countless families he was called to serve in their time of need. Always consistent, Tom was reliable to his core. He will be remembered for his loyalty, kind deeds, spirited nature, and love of family.
In addition to his mother, those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife Pat, daughters Susan (Lance) Dill of Bellville, Heather (Fred) Kantzer of Marion, treasured grandchildren: Gunnar Dill and Emmary Sue Dill, Wyatt Thomas Frederick Kantzer, sister Shirley (Doug) Green of Waldo, nephew Bret (Lacey) Green, extended family, and numerous dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1990.
Friends may call Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, 637 N. St. Rt. 61 at St. Rt. 3, Sunbury, Ohio 43074, Masonic services will follow at 5:15 p.m. The funeral service in honor of Thomas E. Miller will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, Celebrant Carol Weiss will speak. Burial will follow in Claridon Cemetery near Marion, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sparrow Lodge 400 F.& A.M.
Visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.comto share a special memory with his family.
