Nelson Lloyd Miller

Nelson Lloyd Miller passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at his residence in Mt. Olive, IL.

Nelson was born in Mt. Olive, IL on January 15, 1934 to Donald Miller and Edna Pearl (Guthals) Miller. He attended Mt. Olive High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. He married Carol Ann Niemann on September 29, 1956. Mr. Miller served in the United States Seventh Army, 594th Field Artillery Battalion at Erlangen, Germany. He received a Sharpshooter (Rifle) and Good Conduct Medal. He received an honorable discharge. He was employed at Hano Business Forms and was a self-employed farmer. Mr. Miller was a member, trustee, deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent of the First Baptist Church in Mount Olive, IL. He enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes, and was a breeder of Charolais cattle.

Nelson lived a long and full life of 90 years. In his spare time, he liked hanging out with the Route 138 Social Club. He also loved baking, and was famous for his strawberry/rhubarb upside down cake, a recipe that he wouldn't give up, and we asked, trust us. He loved his Cardinals, the Fighting Illini, and Blues hockey. Nelson lived alone in recent years, but he wasn't alone much because of all the guests, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that have visited him many times. He was quite the character, comedic and teasing, but in a loving way. More than anything, Nelson loved his family and his God. When people asked how he was doing, often he would say, "I miss my wife." Rumor has it that as he arrived at the Pearly Gates, St. Peter asked him "What's up, Nelson" and in his typical tongue in cheek fashion, he replied, "The sky?"

Nelson is survived by three sons and two daughters: John (Lynda) Miller of Westmont, IL, Mark (Linda) Miller of Fenton, MO, Sue Miller of Chatham, IL, Ruth (Glen) Elledge of Springfield, MO, and Alan Miller of Williamsville, IL; grandchildren: Nick (Debra) Cozadd, Ashley (Nick) Masciola, Nathan Cozadd, Rachel Niemeier, Kathryn Miller, Zachary Elledge, Breanna Miller, Emily Miller, Brystal Miller, Hope Maxon, Matthew Nelson Miller, Caleb Miller; nine great-grandchildren: Nolan, Preston and Morgan Cozadd; Andy, Jojo and Emma Masciola; and Maddox, Harper and Holden Niemeier; sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Miller, Marilyn Miller and Sarah Niemann Repp; and twenty-three nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Edna Miller, his wife, Carol Ann, brother and sister-in-law, Raymond (Mary) Miller, brother Norman Miller, brother Paul Miller, brother Marvin Miller, sister and brother-in-law, Ellen (Bill) Niehaus, and an uncle, Richard Miller.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 9-11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Olive, IL. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor Gary Hanover will officiate. Interment will take place at Mt. Olive City Cemetery. Lunch for family and friends will take place immediately following interment at the Mt. Olive VFW.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive, IL.

Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com.

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