John W. Jack Miller

Jack (John Whitfield) Miller, 92, of Dover went to be with the Lord and with loved ones who have preceded him on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 in the Park Village Health Care Center at Dover.

He was born September 25, 1920 in Lonaconing, Maryland, came to Dover at the age of 2 with his parents, the late John J. and Elizabeth Miller and brother, Ken, who now resides in Oakhurst, California. He is also preceded in death by twin daughters, Linda King of Plainfield, Indiana and Beatrice Matheson of Lynchburg, Virginia both who fought courageous battles of cancer and his son, John Miller who resided in Dover.

Jack was well known as a gifted carpenter. He would travel at length to express his love through his woodworking skills. He graduated from Dover High School in 1939. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 where he served as the ship's carpenter during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Jack was as a life member of the Carpenter's Union Local 69. He was a faithful member for 79 years and volunteer to the First United Methodist Church in Dover. Examples of his many labors of love are still present on the church altar and throughout the church. He served on several committees, was a trustee and was involved in ushering for 40 years.

He was a loyal fan and supporter of the Dover sports and music programs.

Tuscarawas Valley residents can still see evidence of Jack's many accomplishments while serving as Field Superintendent for the former Raeder Construction Company at Dover. These landmarks include Zimmer Surgical (Dover), First National Bank of Dennison, Chase Bank (formerly First National of Dover), Methodist Church in Millersburg, Union Country Club, and the original Warther Museum, just to name a few.

Upon retirement in 1984, Jack and Ruth volunteered for Mobile Meals for many years, during which time they were blessed to meet many appreciative friends. Jack's skills as a carpenter also continued to benefit family, friends, and his church family with his never-ending eye for perfection in everything he did.

Jack will be sadly missed by his family including his wife Ruth (Haueter) Miller with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage this past July 12 and a daughter, Janie (Jack) Hatcher of Dover. He enjoyed the time spent with his nine grandchildren; Kristin Hatcher (Matt) Scott of Westerville, OH, Jace Whitfield Hatcher of Lakewood, OH, Sarah Matheson of Alexandria, VA , Chris Matheson of Lynchburg, Va., Patrick (Cathy) Matheson of Reston, VA., Cassidy (Karla) King of Ayer, MA, Courtney King (Joel) Ebarb of Dundee, Oregon, Michael (Jennifer) Miller of Dover and Matt (Allison) Miller of Dover; He also leaves behind four great granddaughters, Addison Scott of Westerville, Lyela, Londyn, and Alivia Miller all of Dover; a brother Ken Miller of Oakhurst, California and his brother in law, Paul Haueter of Navarre. Also surviving are two sons in law, Mike King of Plainfield, IN and John Matheson of Lynchburg, VA and a daughter in law, Nancy Miller of Dover.

A funeral service celebrating Jack's life will be held Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 at noon in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Rev. Charles Cooper (Great Lakes Hospice) officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park with the Dover VFW conducting military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-6pm and Friday from 11am until the time of service. Those who cannot attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Jack may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
Jack's family would like to thank and are grateful to Park Village and Great Lakes Hospice for the outstanding care given him over these past months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice, 1530 W. Market St., Akron, Ohio 44313 or the First United Methodist Church, 1725 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622

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