Clesson D "Jap" Miller, 90, a lifelong resident of Kalkaska, passed away on Feb 9, 2011 at Munson Medical Center.He was born on March 13, 1920 to the late Emery and Zora (Riley) Miller.
As a member of the United States Army Red Arrow Division, Jap proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater for four years during World War II where he earned a Purple Heart.
Jap married the former Cleo Marie Hatley on Sept 28, 1945. He was a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for the Kalkaska County Road Commission, retiring in 1980.
Jap loved the outdoors, traveling, playing cards, and spending time with his friends at the Senior Center. For the last 25 years he wintered in Zephyrhills, Fla. Jap was a member of the Kalkaska Church of Christ.
He is survived by his loving children, Vickie (Bill) Wakefield of Wixom, Kathy (Chuck) Whited of Holt, and Janie (Mike) Comai of Kalkaska; eight cherished grandchildren; 12 precious great-grandchildren; and his special friend, Deloris "Dee" Miller.
Jap was preceded in death by his parents; his dear wife, Cleo; his infant son, Douglas Duane Miller; and his siblings, Solomon Miller, Ivan Miller, Sarah Lippert, Doreen Barry Cronk, Andy Miller, Norma Miller, Basil Miller, and Emery Miller.
Visitation for Jap was held on Friday, Feb 11, 2011 from 5-8 pm at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. The funeral service took place on Saturday, at 1 pm at the funeral home with Dan Johnson of Kalkaska Church of Christ officiating. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in Jap's honor to The Kalkaska County Commission on Aging, PO Box 28, Kalkaska, MI 49646
