Harold Frank Miller

Harold “Hal” Frank Miller, 80 yrs., passed away in Fort Myers Beach, Florida at the Pacifica Memory Care Center Thursday, May 11, 2017 of Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born September 2, 1936 at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio to Frank L. Miller and Lora (Keenan) Miller. Harold was active in the FFA Chapter at Zanesfield High School where his love of farming and rural life began.  A graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1958, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, was president of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, Alpha Iota Chapter, and was involved with the Council of Fraternity Presidents.  An Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet at OSU upon graduation, Harold received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force (USAF) where he served as a pilot.

Harold married his college sweetheart Vera Ann Hornback before reporting for duty in Texas for basic and flight training.  Achieving the rank of Captain in military life, Harold’s leadership skills eased his transition to civilian life.  Harold worked twenty years as an agricultural chemical salesman and sales manager.  He loved his family farm and enjoyed farming at nights and on weekends while working in agribusiness.  He also was a partner/owner and sales manager of a local International Harvester dealership, Hartley Nicholl, Inc. in Bellefontaine.

An ordained Deacon and Elder, Harold, held various positions at the First United Presbyterian Church in Bellefontaine.  He was also an active member of the local Farm Bureau, which he counted their council members among his closest friends.  He enjoyed restoring International Harvester antique farm equipment, especially his Farmall F-14 tractor. Talking with farmers about crops, farm equipment, farm prices and the weather were highlights of his days.  His laugh and quick wit could often be heard, as his zest for life and sharing ideas was commonplace.

Harold and Vera shared their love of boating and lake life on Indian Lake. Family and friends were treated to boat rides to the local donut or ice cream shop or a sunset cruise. True snowbirds, Harold and Vera lived at their lake house in the summer and their home in Fort Myers Beach in the winter.

He is survived by his wife Vera, children Paul (Terri) Miller of Bellefontaine, Lora (Dana) McBrien of Columbus, Ohio, and Susan (Everett) Zillinger of Shepherdstown, West Virginia; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Malcolm (Dr. Catherine) Miller of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada; one niece, one nephew, one great niece and one great nephew.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.  Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Bellefontaine Cemetery with military rites by the Logan County Veteran’s Honor Guard.

The funeral arrangements are in the care of the staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Bellefontaine.