Paul Henry Miller, 90, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Court House Manor, after a long and fulfilling life. In true form, he left this world with little fuss, much like the humble farmer he was.
Paul was born in November 24, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio at Old White Cross hospital, the only son of Russell and Mary Ellen (Caudy) Miller, who preceded him in death, as well as an older sister, Grace Ellen Lang, who preceded him in death by just one day He was also preceded by his mother-in-law, Mary Lou Pfeiffer Saunway; father-in-law, Paul Henry Pfeiffer, and step-father-in-law, George Saunway.
He was a 1952 graduate of Big Walnut High School, where his exceptional memory for numbers earned him a reputation for changing the locker padlocks of his classmates. He was active in FFA and served as a state officer for two years. He also traveled to Iraq through the 4-H IFYE program and served as the Ohio State Junior Fair Board president.
Paul continued his education at The Ohio State University where he studied Animal Science. While at OSU, Paul lived in the Ohio Stadium dorms and fed the university’s sheep to cover his room and board. A proud member of the Alpha Zeta fraternity, he was editor of the OSU Ag Magazine, on the Gold Diggers Kings Court, and a member of Sphinx senior class honorary. During his senior year, he met the love of his life, Kay Pfeiffer. They married on June 26, 1960, and raised three sons.
Paul was committed to maintaining lifelong connections with friends and classmates, often helping to organize reunions for both his high school class and college fraternity.
Paul and Kay settled on the family farm in Sunbury, where he ran the grain and dairy operation, Fairland Farms, and sold milk from the dairy barn. Paul was also involved in numerous community activities. He served as chairman of trustees during the construction of the new Sunbury Methodist Church and was a captain in the Army Reserves. Paul was the State Young Farmers vice president and president of the Delaware County Farm Bureau. He also served as president of Country Mutual Insurance before transitioning to general manager after stepping back from full-time farming.
When the family farm moved to Fayette County, so did Kay and Paul. Paul continued to be active in his new community and made many friends there. Paul was involved in the Central Republican Committee, the County Farm Bureau board, the OSU Alumni Club, WCH Grace Methodist Church, and the Community Concert Association. He and Kay traveled extensively, both around the U.S. and abroad, with their favorite destination being Alaska.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Kay (Pfeiffer) Miller; three sons, Jeff (Kathy), Doug (Anita), and Mark; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Charlie (Hannah), Natalie (Joe), Kael, Megan, Erin, and Peyton.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at noon, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 E. Market St., Washington Court House. Pastor Matt Brookes will officiate the service. A private burial will take place at a later date in Sunbury, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the Miami Trace FFA Alumni, ℅ Robin Beekman, 6 High St. Jeffersonville, OH 43128, WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 E. Market St. Washington CH, OH 43160 or The Ohio 4-H Foundation “Pfeiffer/Miller/Saunway Family Scholarship Fund number: 605706,” 2201 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, OH 43210 or online at https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/605706
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
