Joseph C. Miller

Joseph C. “J.C.” Miller, 93, of Ridgway, Illinois, passed away at Wabash Christian Village in Carmi on Thursday, December 26, 2019.  J.C. was born in West Frankfort on February 6, 1926,  one of five sons of the late John B. and Hallie (Ewing) Miller.  He married the former Theda Janice Lovellette on June 6, 1952.  Theda preceded J.C. in death on August 6, 2018.  He was a retired farmer and a World War II Army Air Force Veteran.  Also he was a  faithful member of the Ridgway First Baptist Church.  J.C. was a diligent working member of the Ridgway Masonic Lodge # 816 , Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #714, White Shrine, Scottish Rites, York Rites, Shriner, and Sword of Bunker Hill.  He served for over seventy years in various capacities including District Deputy Grand Master and Worthy Patron.  J.C. is survived by his loving family; one son, Stanley and Sharon Miller of Ridgway; one daughter, Susan J. Miller and Denny Barker of Somerset, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Amanda and Matthew Duffy, Kyle and Traci Fritschle, Andrew Fritschle and fiancé Josh Lodolo, Natasha and Erich Moberly, Ashlei and Brent Burdine, Courtney Barker; fifteen great grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, and Jacey Duffy, Ethan and Annabelle Fritschle, Elsa, Halston, and Mazie Moberly, Kennedy, Cross, and Cohen Burdine, Jayden Cantrell, and Bentlee Barker, Adrianna and Sawyer Fisher.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; four brothers, Herbert, Claude, William ”Billy”, and Marion Miller.  Visitation for J.C.  will be held on Saturday, December 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway with 7 p.m. Eastern Star and Masonic Services.  Funeral service will be at the funeral home on Sunday, December 29th at 1 p.m.  Reverend Russell Helton and Reverend J.B. Gates will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at Lindale Cemetery near Eldorado with military honors.  Donations in J.C.’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children and Ridgway First Baptist Church.