Merton Edward Miller Sr.

Funeral services for Merton Miller will be held Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 11:30am, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton.

Mr. Miller, age 91, of Lauderdale passed away Saturday, December 17, 2016 at his home.

Merton graduated from Warsaw High School in 1943 then was in the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper and was a well decorated WWII soldier. He enjoyed playing the saxophone in the Army band, until he was assigned to the battle in Okinawa and the occupation of Japan. He played the saxophone with the Navy Banjo Band and clubs in New Orleans and continued playing throughout his life.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he graduated from the University of Buffalo and the College of Virginia, majoring in Physical Therapy and Physical Education. He worked as a Physical Therapist at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. After a few years, he moved to Meridian, Mississippi. He was the first Physical Therapist in the city and worked at many hospitals and a private practice until retirement.

He enjoyed living and working on the Double M Ranch in Lauderdale, taking care of cows and horses. He was an avid tennis player. He served on the original Board of Directors at Lamar School and continued serving for several years, booster club president, and the physical therapy board at Meridian Community College. He mostly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in various sporting events and school activities. He also enjoyed hollering at the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Brenda Williams Miller; children, Merton Miller Jr, Lucy Miller Vincent (John), Edye Miller Arceneaux (Steve), Malery Miller and Michael Miller (Karie); grandchildren, Brandon LaCroix, Kristen LaCroix (Matt), Alyson Arceneaux, Tyler Miller, Madison Miller, Matthew Miller and Hayes Miller; great grandson, Maddox Hoffmann; sisters-in-law, Carol Humphrey and Glenda Harper; brother-in-law, Jack Williams (Toni); and special friend, Roy Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Edith Miller and his brother, Melvin Miller killed in WWII.

Pallbearers will be John Vincent, Brandon LaCroix, Tyler Miller, Steve Arceneaux, Matt Hoffmann, Jack Williams and David Humphrey.

He will be missed by his family and many friends.

You may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30am prior to the service at the funeral home.