Edward Miller

Edward Miller, age 78, of Gore, Oklahoma, passed away on March 4, 2025, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Born on April 21, 1946, in Paden, Oklahoma, he was raised in a loving, close-knit family alongside his nine siblings. Among them, his bond with his brother Bobby Joe was particularly special, marking a lifelong friendship that defined much of Edward's life.

After completing his education at Reedley High School in California, Edward proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he completed three tours as a door gunner on an attack helicopter, accumulating over 500 hours of combat flight time. His courageous service was met with great sacrifice, as he faced numerous dangers, including surviving four helicopter crashes. It was the last time Edward was shot down that he suffered injuries he would never be able to fully recover from. Tragically, he lost his brother Paul Wayne in service during the war, a loss that deeply affected his family, while Bobby Joe, also serving in Vietnam, returned home with injuries.

Upon returning to civilian life, Edward married the love of his life, Betty Lou Perry (affectionately known as Pug), in Paden, Oklahoma. Their union blossomed in Gore, where they nurtured their shared love over the next 54 years, embracing life’s adventures together. Edward welcomed the Perry family as his own, gaining 13 additional siblings. He and Betty created a warm and welcoming home, raising two children and celebrating the joys of family with three grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Edward took great pride in his fishing skills, often regarded as the best crappie fisherman around. He also enjoyed hunting and tending to his lawn. Edward cherished hosting fish fries for family gatherings and for his son’s Highway Patrol partners, ensuring that no guest left with an empty plate. He found joy in spending time with his core group of friends down at Walker’s repair shop, at Boone’s Napa or “shooting the bull” at Ogg’s service station. Edward was also an avid reader and had a passion for documentaries, always eager to learn.

Edward's legacy as a devoted son, brother, hero, husband, father, grandfather, and friend reflects the admirable qualities he embodied throughout his life. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mont and Sevella Miller; his brothers Porter (Bo), Paul Wayne, and Phillip Dale Miller; and his sisters Freda (and husband Tom) McCone and Jane (and husband Chet) Shelton.

Edward is survived by his loving wife Betty; son Scott; daughter Colleen Thayer; and grandchildren Micalla (and husband Jamison) Schrader, Chiara Miller, and Tyler Miller. He is also survived by his brothers Monte Miller, Bobby Joe (and wife Donna) Miller, and Leonard (and wife Darla) Miller, and sister Elaine (and husband Larry) Spears, along with the extended Perry family, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

As a tribute to Edward, his family would like to acknowledge his close friends as honorary pallbearers: Danny Walker, Dan (Boone) Carter, Donald Dixon, and Gordan Queen, for their enduring friendship, as well as family members Jamison Schrader and Dustin Ross for their closeness and orneriness they shared with Edward.

Viewing will be Noon - 6 PM Friday at Agent Millsap Even Center in Gore, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will be held to honor Edward at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Oakdale Cemetery in Paden, Oklahoma, directed by Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Edward Miller will be remembered and celebrated for the love, joy, and strength he brought to all who had the privilege of knowing him.