Edward J Miller passed away Thursday March 18th at the age of 69. He was a Pilot with HMM 161 Pineapple squadron in '65-'66. For those of you who knew him, I would greatly appreciate any memories you may have. Please email me thomaskmiller@yahoo.com. I am his oldest son, Tom Miller.

Edward J. Miller, 69, of Columbia City, died at 9:45 p.m. Thursday at Parkview North, Fort Wayne.

He was born October 23, 1940 in Rochester, Indiana a son of Donald R. and Evelyn M. (Keesey) Miller. As a young boy, his family moved to Columbia City, where he began elementary school. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1958.

On June 12, 1960, he was united in marriage to Barbara Hood. They made their home in Muncie, IN while he completed college. In 1962, he received a Bachelors degree in Education from Ball State University.

In 1963 he joined the United States Marine Corp and became a helicopter pilot serving in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Captain. He was honorably discharge on December 15, 1968.

Following his discharge, he went to work for Scott Paper Company and then transferred to a company they acquired, Brown Jordan, a high end outdoor furniture manufacturer in southern California. He became their Vice-President. In 1987, he moved to Angola, IN and started his own company, Ed Miller Associates, selling lines of outdoor furniture. He retired in 2006.

Surviving relatives include wife of 49 years, Barbara; three sons, Tom (Susan) Miller, Angola, Brad (Phyllis) Miller, Lainsburg, MI, and Steve (Jody) Miller of Elkhart; nine grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and a brother, Daniel Miller of Fort Wayne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda White.

A Memorial Service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The U.S. Marine Corp will present honors. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.