Clarence E. Miller

Clarence E. Miller, 96, of Palestine, IL, died at 10:19 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2015 in the comfort of his daughter’s home in Lebanon, IL. He was born April 16, 1919, the son of Roy Miller and Blanche Walters Miller, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Marjorie Gosnell on September 5, 1941 and she preceded him in death on January 22, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his sister & brother-in-law, Pauline & Charles Moore; by his brother & sister-in-law, Glen & Naomi Ruth Miller; and by his son-in-law, John D. Roy III. Clarence is survived by his daughter, Martha E. Roy (Lebanon, IL); two grandsons, John M. Roy & wife Stefanie (Swansea, IL) and Patrick D. Roy (O'Fallon, IL); four great-grandchildren, Julia, Brenden, Katelynn, and Ryan Roy; as well as several nieces & nephews. He worked for a time in civil service at George Field in Lawrenceville, IL, where he learned the mechanics of airplanes. Clarence went on to serve his country as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Back home, he put his knowledge of mechanics to work at Roy Miller & Sons Garage, later known as Roy Miller’s Sons Garage, which he co-owned and operated alongside his brother Glen. He was a member of the Palestine First United Methodist Church, the Palestine Lions Club (where he was a Tail Twister and Past President), the Robinson American Legion, a founding member of the 21 Club, and was a former member of the Robinson Elks Club. He served his community as a Palestine Village Board member, and his church as Sunday school superintendent, church board chairman, Loylanna class teacher, and lay leader. Clarence enjoyed spending his free time outdoors, and could often be found fishing, hunting, gardening, and walking. He also was a great student of the Bible, and would study God’s Word in depth. He will be remembered for his fun-loving nature, for his undying faith, and for the love he had for his wife and for his family, who has lost a patriarch and leader. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22nd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23rd at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Palestine. Memorials made be to the Palestine First United Methodist Church, to the Harper House, or to the Fife Opera House with envelopes available at the funeral home.