Bishop Robert L. Miller

Sept. 29, 1935-Dec. 14, 2024

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Bishop Robert L. Miller

Sept. 29, 1935-Dec. 14, 2024

Bishop Robert L. Miller, 89, of Crawfordsville passed away at 6:58 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Franciscan St. Elizabeth in Lafayette.

Visitation 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 and his homecoming celebration is 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at Grace & Mercy Ministries, 257 W. Oak Hill Road, Crawfordsville.

Robert was born Sept. 29, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Velma Walters and Richard Black. These kids were too young at the time and things were so different then. He was adopted by Velma’s older sister Edna and Emmitt Miller. They all called him “Sonny” but he, even into his old age would refer to himself as “Bobby Black.”

As a young boy he milked cows before daybreak and then headed on his to Western Hills Country Club to caddy on the golf course. Living in Cheviot, a suburb of Cincinnati, he attended Western Hills High School. Cheviot is a name for a type of black sheep.

Robert joined the United States Navy in 1953 and was an engine mate on the USNS James O’Hara, a troop transport ship taking soldiers to the Korean Conflict. He then joined the United States Army. At Fort Hood, Texas he was selected by Special Services to box for the Army. While on leave, he drove to Hot Springs Arkansas where he found the love of his life, Andrea Shields, a preacher’s daughter. With boxing trophies in the back window and a devil’s head painted on the hood, he swept her off her feet and was engaged. Orders then took him to Korea where he served two tours of duty on the Demilitarized Zone.

Robert graduated from I CORPS Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. Returning home he married Andrea in Bloomington, Indiana at Gospel Tabernacle Church, Rev. Pappy Hughes officiating.

A renowned mechanic, Robert and Andrea owned and operated two Shell Oil full-service gas stations in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was an excellent auto body repairman and painter. Also known by many as the “world’s finest mechanic.” In 1979 Robert was called to Crawfordsville. He and Andrea devoted their lives full time to serving the Lord and spreading the word of salvation to others, even hosting a live radio broadcast. On Sunday morning he encouraged the world to give their hearts to the Lord and be baptized in the name of Jesus.

Robert was always sharply dressed, the ultimate diplomat of a man that could meet others on their level. His outstanding qualities: He was a peace-maker, a Magnanimous man. He insisted that we always be and act bigger than the problem. He was ever the gentleman.

Other days he would put on a leather jacket, and riding boots, swing his long legs over his Harley and hit the road. He felt freedom riding in the wind. Robert would retire in 2002 leaving his son Nathan, to pastor the church. He was extremely proud of his family and the legacy of faith they and the church carried forward on the Lord’s behalf.

He was a member of the American Legion Riders. He loved to ride his Pearl White Softail in all the events and fundraisers. He loved participating in Riley Children’s Hospital Ride for Life. He and Andrea started a food pantry in their own kitchen that has since grown to feed hundreds of families every month for the past 30 years. Fixing cars and wells, filling oil tanks, fuel tanks and bellies, for folks in need. He raised horses and loved being on the lake in an old mahogany Chris Craft. He especially enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.

Robert had five boys and two girls, Robert “Bobby” Miller (Tracy), Nathan Miller (Peg), Mathew Miller (Sandra), Isaac Miller, Scott Lehr (LeAnne), Deborah Carter (Norman) and Tammy Wheeler and 14 grandchildren, Nicholas, Savannah, Noah, Hudson, Jordan, Jayde, Jonathan, Caleb, Emily, Madison, Samuel, Jason Todd “JT,” Holly, Andrea and Erica. The great-grandchildren are Asher, Ella, Mayzie, Elliette, Harvey and Arthur. He truly was considered a father to many others, and he loved them and considered them family as well. He also has three sisters and their wonderful families, Rita Henderson (Roy), Mary Birchfield (Bob) and Barbara Peeler (the late James) and sister-in-law Nedra (Jim) Frye.

Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at Grace and Mercy Ministries, 257 W. Oak Hill Road, Crawfordsville. Funeral services to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 also at the church. His son Nathan Miller and nephew Ted Frye will officiate. Interment to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace & Mercy Ministries, 257 W. Oak Hill Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, for youth ministries helping children to attend youth camps and conferences. Robert really enjoyed doing it for kids.

Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.


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