Howard Miller passed away on July 24 at home with his family. He lived a full life. He drove many crazy, by being grumpy but he was loved by those, too, for being kind and gentle hearted.

Howard Miller was born to Lucille Sourbeck and Howard F Miller. He joined his older sister Althea. A few years later, little sister Sue join the crew. Howard was the only boy of the family. He followed his father and joined the military, but he joined the Navy.

Howard was stationed in California with the Navy when he met his wife, Barbara. They married in California. After being married for 6 years, Howard and Barbara welcomed their first child, Marc. Marc enjoyed 6 years of being an only child. He became a big brother to a sister, Bryanna. Then they welcomed another sister, Carrie only 2 years later. Then all 3 siblings welcomed their tiny sister, Melissa. She was the last one to join the crazy Miller clan. The four Miller children grew up watching their father leave and return on boats over the years. Howard and family lived many years in California but called Oak Harbor home for 24 years. Howard loved his family dearly. His grandchildren helped him stay healthy and fight for a good life.

Howard served on USS Coral Sea, USS Enterprise and USS Carl Vinson. Howard fought in the Vietnam War. He taught SERE school for years. He served a total of 21.5 years in the US Navy. His last duty station in the Navy was security at NAS Whidbey.

In 1997, he was medically retired for the Navy with congestive heart failure. His family and he were shocked with the news. In February of 2004, he received a pacemaker and defibrillator to help him with his heart. He had this for many years. In August 2009, he received his LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) which was an adjustment for Howard and his family. After waiting many years on the transplant list, he received a phone call on November 16, 2015 that there was a heart for him. He received his new heart on November 17, 2015 which became the longest day of waiting for the family. This gave him chance at a new journey in life.

Many would describe Howard as a grumpy, but kind man. He could be the grumpiest man, but he would help you out as much as he could when you needed help.
He is survived by his wife (Barbara), 4 children (Marc, Bryanna, Carrie, and Melissa), two sisters (Althea and Sue), 2 sons-in-law (Jason and Eric), daughter-in-law (Stephanie) and 8 grandchildren (Traci, Jayde, Masyn, Aiden, Abigail, Elizabeth, Raelynn, and Karsyn). He has many other family members and friends by whom he is survived.

The Miller family suggests memorials in Howard’s name may be made out to Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation. To donate online, go to www.waif
animals.org/donate/, or mail in your donation to: WAIF, PO Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Pictures to follow.

Obituary for Howard A Miller

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