Final Salute

Edward H. Miller, 93, of Ashland, Ohio, passed from this life on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.

Ed was born on September 21, 1932, in Perrysville, the son of the late Aliston and Grace (nee Portner) Miller. He graduated from Hayesville High School in 1950. He married the love of his life, Joan Marie Black, on December 24, 1952.

A proud veteran, Ed enlisted in the U S Air Force in 1950 and served as a radar trainer during the Korean Conflict. He was an electrician in civilian life and felt called to use those skills and serve his country in the Seabees. In 1980, because of age requirements and time in service, he received a special dispensation to enlist in the Naval Reserves. September 8, 1996, Ed was honorably discharged from the Seabees.

Ed’s professional life was marked by resilience and a tireless work ethic. Upon leaving the Air Force, he went to work at General Motors in Mansfield Ohio. After miraculously surviving an electrical accident early in his career, he worked for 25 years at White Westinghouse in Mansfield. Never one to truly retire, he later worked for Al Williams Electric and the Muffler House in Ashland, while also dabbling in real estate and life insurance. He finally slowed down at age 80 due to impaired vision, though he remained remarkably active—often proving he could still “kick as high as his head” to anyone watching.

In 1958, Ed received miraculous healing from 3rd degree burns and a new life in Christ. He became very active in the First Church of God on East Liberty Street in Ashland and served for many years as a deacon, Sunday School leader, and music director.

Ed loved sports of all kinds but was not a fanatic. He played basketball for the Hayesville Panthers and other high school sports. He tried everything: weight lifting, bowling, golf, archery, etc. He was an avid outdoorsman. Ed’s passion for hunting and fishing landed him a Lifetime Member award from the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League. Ed was a familiar face at “Catfish Tournaments” and “Kids Day” events. He served on the League’s Board and was always assisting with electrical and facilities maintenance projects. .

He also served a term as President of the Ashland Evening Lions Club. Together with Joan, volunteered in the club’s food truck at the Balloon Fest and Yester Year Tractor events. They spent countless hours phone calling, selling and delivering geraniums, selling mints and supporting club projects such as their vision program. Thank God for all our faithful volunteers! Ed and Joan will be missed but they are together again.

Ed is survived by two daughters: Tamara Sue (Michael) Crain of Ashland and Tanya Kay (Jan) Feinberg of Mansfield; four grandchildren: Wendy (Michael) Kerr of Ashland, Sonja (Eric) Boice of Ashland, Michael (Terri) Crain of Perrysville, Wesley (Brandy) Tyson of Columbus; ten great grandchildren: Ariel Little, Emma Grace Crain, Noah Fent, Tanner Crain; Chelsey (Shawn) Oliver, Wesley A. Tyson, Kaden Dacey, Colin Tyson, Colton Tyson, and Layla Tyson; nine great-great grandchildren: Emitt, Owen, Graycen, and Miriam Little; Wesley A. Tyson Jr., Mia, and Yuni Tyson; Blayden and Remi Oliver; and three brothers, John (Wanda) Miller of Ashland, Paul Miller of Delaware, and Jerry (Barbara) Miller of Vincennes, Indiana. Ed has left behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he will see again someday.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Marie Miller, who passed on May 26, 2004; his son, Mark Miller; two sisters, Norma (Ted) Beck and Marilyn (Max) Talkington; and dear sister-in-law, Virginia Miller.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the New Life Community Church with Pastor Dave McNeely presiding. The Ashland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Union Cemetery. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the church.

New Life Community Church

1489 OH-511

Ashland, OH 44805

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following:

Ashland County Park District (Davy McClure Education Fund)

1301 Park Street

Ashland, OH 44805

Ashland County Community Foundation

(c/o Ashland Evening Lions Club Fund),

300 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805

Access

228 Maple Street

Ashland, OH 44805

Online condolences may be shared at denbowfh.com

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Miller family.