Rev. Russell Miller

Rev. Russell Miller entered his eternal reward on February 2, 2025 at the age of 97 years. He was born on December 26, 1927 to Fred and Irma Miller in Burlington, Iowa.

He graduated from Burlington High School, 1945; Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, Illinois, 1949; Eden Theological Seminary, Webster Groves, Missouri, 1952. He was ordained into the Christian ministry of the United Church of Christ in 1952.

Rev. Miller served as pastor and teacher of the United Church of Christ in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in Newton, Iowa, and in Collinsville, Illinois before leading Zion United Church of Christ in Metropolis beginning March 1, 1967.

He was baptized, received the rite of confirmation, and ordained at First United Church of Christ of Burlington. As pastor, he was always active in the United Church of Christ Illinois South Conference as well as his local community.

He married Doris Stevenson in 1951 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Burlington. They had one daughter, Leah, a son-in-law, Jonathan, and two precious grandchildren, Dylan and Nina.

Rev. Miller retired as pastor of Zion UCC on December 31, 1992. In January 1993, he began volunteering at COPE, the Massac County food pantry. Beyond his church activities, he enjoyed attending local

athletic sports events and watching the St. Louis Cardinals on television.

Rev. Miller and Doris enjoyed working together in their churches, traveling to different parts of the world, attending the Cincinnati Tennis Tournaments for many years, and made many friends while eating at Rube’s Restaurant.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dorothy, and one niece. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, his daughter and son-in-law, two grandchildren, two nieces, and a nephew.

Special thanks to the staff of Misty Meadows, to Chris for his care, and to the church family of Zion Evangelical Church.

A funeral service for Rev. Miller will be at Zion Evangelical Church on Monday, February 10, 2025 with Pastor David Krueger, Pastor Jim Duncan, and Pastor David Deem officiating. Burial will follow in the Zion Church cemetery. Visitation will precede the funeral at the church between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with

the service commencing at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Eden Theological Seminary to support the mission of those seeking to serve in the ministry. Memorials can be made online at Eden Theological Seminary using the digital donation form, via phone at 314-918-2766, or via check mailed to: Eden Theological Seminary, ATTN: Development Office, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119. Please indicate on the check or form “Rev. Miller.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com

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