Vernon Doyle Miller was born on July 4, 1927, to John P. and Elizabeth Hostetler Miller in the family home on Elliman Road in Streetsboro,  Ohio. In birth, he came just a few minutes after his twin brother, Vern Loyal Miller. In death, he again followed his twin brother who went to be with the Lord on August 7, 2013. Vernon was born again in a revival meeting at Aurora Mennonite Church where he was a lifetime member. He died peacefully on April 19, 2016, in his daughter Susan’s home less than a mile from the home where he was born.

Vernon attended Streetsboro Schools, graduating in 1945, Goshen College where he earned a degree in Biology in 1950, and Kent State University where he received a Master’s Degree in Education in 1962.  At Goshen College he met Margaret Troyer and they were married on June 6, 1950, and were to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary this coming June. Vernon was an educator for 35 years, beginning his career as an elementary school classroom teacher and then principal in Streetsboro, Ohio, and retiring as an elementary school principal from Solon, Ohio, in June 1987. He was respected, admired, and loved by teachers and staff.

After retirement, Vernon advanced his farming interest by enjoying gardening, maple syrup making, and raising beef cattle. He grew up on the farm and he had used his farm experience earlier in life when he went on a Brethren Relief Cattle Boat in 1945 after World War II to help take care of heifers on their way to Poland. Vernon and Margaret raised their family on a mini farm and this was his hobby throughout life.

Vernon had a passion for Bible study, church history, and family history. In 2005, along with a committee of 16 members of Aurora Mennonite Church, he helped Elmer S. Yoder write a One Hundred Year Anniversary History of Aurora Mennonite – Pathways to Portage.

Vernon is survived by his beloved wife Margaret L. Miller, four children, Susan Grace Miller of Streetsboro, Wilbur (Christine) Miller of Ann Arbor, MI, Philip Edgar Miller of Streetsboro and Sheryl Dawn (Robert) Wideman of Stouffville, Ontario, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren with two more on the way.  

There will be no calling hours. A private burial has taken place at the Aurora Mennonite Church Cemetery in Aurora, Ohio. A Service of Celebration of Vernon’s life will be held at the Aurora Mennonite Church on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Robin Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501. Mennonite Central Committee is a nonprofit organization which strives for peace, relief, and development in the name of Christ. Please write, “In memory of Vernon D. Miller” in the memo line. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Streetsboro Chapel.

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