Charles Miller

C. WENDELL MILLER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Charles Wendell Miller was born August 30, 1924, at 321 Lava Street in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to John O. Miller and Lula Horman Miller. Wendell died March 20, 2005, of pancreatic cancer, at his home in Idaho Falls. Charles is a family name in both the Miller and Horman families, and Wendell came from Oliver Wendell Holmes, his dad's favorite author. He attended Eagle Rock grade school, O. E. Bell Junior High, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. During high school he worked at Reed Bill's grocery store. As a gung-ho 18 year old, he wanted to do his part in the war effort, so he registered and served in some of the major conflicts in World War II. Wendell was missing in action during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was trapped behind enemy lines for several days. Wendell was honorably discharged after the war and returned home to work at Bonneville Auto. Wendell married Alene Rogers August 19, 1949. Their marriage was later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. One year after his marriage, as a member of the national guard, he was called into active duty for the Korean War, where he again saw heavy combat. As a result of his service, he was unable to see his first son until he was 13 months old. After the Korean War, Wendell began work at the Atomic Energy Commission, where he continued to work for 34 years. In 1972 Wendell was elected to the office of State Representative, where he served four consecutive terms. In subsequent years he served on the Development Workshop Board, the Idaho Falls Consolidated Hospital Board, and was serving on the board of Supportive HomeCare Services at the time of his death. Wendell was also appointed to the Idaho State Board of Corrections by Governor Cecil Andrus. Wendell was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in multiple positions, including two stake missions. Wendell loved to follow local and national politics. He loved taking care of his yard and gardening, and was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter. Wendell built his current home. Wendell loved to spend time at his cabin in Island Park, and he loved his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His favorite times were spent with his family. Surviving are: Wife: Alene Rogers Miller, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Randy (Cathi) Miller, Brea, CA Son: Dana (Darla) Miller, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Brian (Lori) Miller, Alpine, UT Son: Layne (Teresa) Miller, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Wendy (Jim) Livingston, Murray, UT Brother: Dean Miller, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Glenn Miller, La Habra, CA Sister: Marjorie Davis, Kearns, UT and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Miller. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2005, at the Idaho Falls LDS Westhill Ward, 2040 Brentwood Drive, with Bishop Dale Madsen officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Thursday for one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team.