William Evan Miller, affectionately known as “Gabby” to friends and family, lost his long battle with lung cancer Friday morning, June 26, 2009, at 1:46 a.m. Evan passed quietly in his home located in rural Sesser surrounded by his family. He was 62 years old.
Evan was born in Rend City on Jan. 19, 1947, to Harold Glenn and Wanda Miller where he grew up with his brothers Jim and Roy Miller. The son of a coal miner/farmer, his childhood was that of a typical working-class American youth. The work ethic and values that he learned in his childhood remained with him throughout his life, and he worked hard to insure that those lessons would be passed on to the future generations of his family.
In 1964, after he graduated from Sesser-Valier High School, he joined the Army, where he served three years and was discharged honorably.
Upon his return home, Evan married his wife of 41 years, Dixie, on March 15, 1968. They put down roots in Sesser near their respective families where they remained for the remainder of their life together They had three children, Tonya, Michael and Chad.
Much like his father, Evan began a dual career of coal miner/farmer. Although he retired from mining after 35 years with Inland Steel Coal/Consolidated Coal, he continued to operate his family farm with his brother Roy. Throughout his life, some of Evan’s various achievements include 16 years as a Barren Township trustee, member of the Goode Lodge No. 744, and proud member of U.M.W.A. Local 1545. In addition to camping with his wife and grandchildren, Evan loved NASCAR and was a loyal Dale Earnhardt fan.
Evan is survived by his wife, Dixie; his daughter, Tonya Cloe and son-in-law Keith; oldest son, Michael Miller; and youngest son, Chad Miller and daughter-in-law Valerie, all of Sesser. Evan is also survived by two very dear granddaughters, Kennedy and Kassedy Cloe of Sesser. Two brothers also survive, Jim and wife Carolyn Miller, and Roy and wife Signa Miller, also all of Sesser. Evan is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Evan was preceded in death by his father, Harold Glenn Miller, and his mother, Wanda Miller Coffman. Stepfather Floyd Coffman and two nephews, Jimmy Miller and Russell Miller, also preceded him in death.
Visitation was held at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser on Saturday. Funeral service was held Sunday at the funeral home. Evan was laid to rest at Hammonds Cemetery near his home.
Remember me in quiet days
While raindrops whisper on your pane.
But in your memories have no grief,
Let just the joy we knew remain.
Remember me when evening stars
Look down on you with steadfast eyes.
Remember if once you wake
To catch a glimpse of red sunrise.
And when your thoughts do turn to me,
Know that I would not have you cry.
But live for me and laugh for me,
When you are happy, so am I.
Remember an old joke we shared;
Remember me when spring walks by.
Thinks once of me when you are glad
And while you live, I shall not die.
Benton, Ill. —
