Orval Auston Miller, age 92 went home to be with his Lord on April 15, 2016 at his home in Tryon, NE.
Orval was born on October 25, 1923 at home in McPherson County north of Ringgold to Alpha Earl and Della May (Harvey) Miller. He attended rural School District #7 through 8th grade and then stayed home to help with the ranch. On December 24, 1944 he married Vera June Smith at the Ray Dobbins home near Tryon. Orval and Vera June made their home in the Stapleton, Arnold and Tryon areas until 1966 when they moved to Ogallala, NE and owned and operated the Miller Sporting Goods Store for several years. He then worked for the Co-ops in Ogallala and Grant. In 1977 they moved back to Tryon, NE where he lived at the time of his death. He loved to hunt and fish. The elk hunting trip to Hahns Peak, CO each fall was a special thing he did for 35 years. Living close to Lake McConaughy gave him a chance to pursue his hunting interests. He operated commercial goose pits for several years and often times after goose hunting would walk a couple of fields to see if he could bag a pheasant and then would stop at the lake to try to catch a trout. Hunting coyotes with hounds and trapping coyotes was something he enjoyed. He raised a large lush garden each summer and enjoyed sharing the produce with friends and neighbors. He was his kids’ greatest sports fan. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were all very special to him. They loved coming to visit and hear Granddad’s stories. In 1954 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He attended the Berean Church in Ogallala and was a member of Hall Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and was on the church board. Reading his Bible and the Daily Bread Devotions was part of his every day.
Orval leaves to cherish his memory and many stories, his four children, Lorna (Ron) Dobbins of Tryon, NE, Dennis (Lynelle) Miller of Kearney, NE, Janet (John) Ireland of Cottonwood Falls, KS, Dwight (Nancy) Miller of Tomball, TX; 28 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; sister Delma (Ivan) Knapp of Ogallala, NE; and special friends Mark (Kathy) Marcuzzo and family of Memphis, TN.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Vera June; his parents; four sisters, Ona Kammerer, Fredia Mattson, Doris and Vera Miller; two brothers Lonnie and Wayne Miller; and grandson Joshua Ireland.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday April 20, 2016 at Hall Church near Tryon with the Reverend Jonathan Martino officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday April 19, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.