Claude Miller

Claude “Fred” Miller, 77, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at his home.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Court St., St. Joseph with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory of Claude online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Claude was born August 2, 1940 in Benton Harbor, MI to Claude & Irene (Mead) Miller. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1959. He then attended Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan University where he received his Master’s degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude and was also in the Fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. On December 30, 1960 he married Sharon Avery in Benton Harbor. Claude was an Engineer for Clark Equipment for many years. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Benton Harbor Moose and Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an usher and enjoyed working funerals. Claude was also a Licensed Contractor and enjoyed using his heavy equipment. In his spare time, he loved visiting and talking with people, watching and reading about the news, and taking care of his animals especially his dog Maggie, cats and rooster.  Claude is survived by his wife Sharon Miller; sons Joseph Miller, Dan Miller and Douglas (Rhonda) Miller; grandchildren Michael, Taylor and Tylor Miller; great granddaughter Layla Miller; sisters Louise Young and Janet (Ollie) Turner; sister-in-law’s Beth Brink, Charlene Klotz and Darlene (Chris) Miller; and brother-in-law Duane (Jan) Avery. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, and sons Kevin and Charles Miller.