Clarence Miller

LANCASTER -- As word of U.S. Rep. Clarence E. Miller's death spread through Fairfield County on Tuesday, he was remembered as a kind and gentle man who deeply cared about those he served.

"He was great at representing what Fairfield County is about, and he was good at bringing dollars back here," County Commissioner Judy Shupe said. "He was a real likable guy who was highly respected."

Miller, 93, died of natural causes Tuesday morning at Fairfield Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 1, 1917, and served in the House of Representatives from 1967 to 1993 in the 10th District. The Republican got his start in government when he was elected to the Lancaster City Council in 1957. He later served as mayor from 1963 to 1966 before being elected to Congress.

Miller also served as a member of the legislative committee of the National League of Cities and the Ohio Municipal League and was a member of the executive committee of the Mayors Association of Ohio.

While in Congress, Miller served on various committees, including agriculture, public works and transportation. In 1973, he was appointed to the appropriations committee and served on the Foreign Operations, Commerce, Justice, State, Treasury, Postal Service, General Government and Defense subcommittees.

Miller said his concerns about national debt and overspending at the federal level originally spurred him to move into a career in politics. He was awarded a Treasury watchdog award every year he was in Congress.

Additionally, Miller was vice chairman of the Office of Technical Assessment and served on a committee to force other countries to reimburse the United States for costs associated with the 1991 Gulf War.

Miller also held U.S. and Canadian patents for technical innovations he developed as an electrical engineer.

Locally, Miller was on the board of directors of the YMCA and Red Cross.

"We, the family, are very saddened by his loss," Miller's daughter, Jackie Williams said. "We want to honor Lancaster and Fairfield County for the support and love for him and his years of public service. Many think of him as a giant. He, however, thought of his constituents as simply his family.

"All whom he represented received his highest regards as he sought to live out his patriotism through unwavering service."

Commissioner Steve Davis is one of those who considered Miller a giant.

"He was very instrumental to my career as a public servant," he said. "I would see him out often and he was always very kind and supportive of me, and others. I am deeply, deeply grateful for what he has done for our community."

Republican Party Chairman Kyle Farmer said Miller was a gentleman and county icon.

"His dedication to public service, from Lancaster city hall to the U.S. House of Representatives, is a shining example for all those who seek or hold public office," he said. "Our party, our community and our nation are all better due to the years of service given by Congressman Miller."

Congressman Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, echoed Farmer's thoughts.

"For more than 25 years, Clarence served the state of Ohio with great honor in the U.S. House of Representatives," he said. "His impact on Lancaster even after his time in Congress has been irreplaceable, and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Family friend Carl Roshong last saw Miller about three weeks ago.

"He was suffering from the normal things a man of that age suffers from," he said. "But he had a strong constitution and pushed through it. So I would say he just died from old age."

Fairfield County Commission President Mike Kiger said Miller's death is a big loss for the county.

"I think it's a shame to hear that Clarence Miller has passed away," he said. "He devoted his life to public service and spent a lot of time Washington. He did a great job for Fairfield County."

Current Mayor David Smith has served since 2004. He said Miller is someone who has influenced him in that time.

"I knew Clarence Miller most of my adult life," Smith said. "He was a wonderful gentleman who proudly served the people of Lancaster."

The Lancaster post office was renamed for Miller on Oct. 30, 2002. The county health department building also is named in Miller's honor.

"Naming the health department building after him was the respectable thing to do," Shupe said.

Miller was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and left behind a son, Ron, daughter, Jackie, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.

Services for Miller will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church at 163 E. Wheeling St., Lancaster. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St..

Jeff Barron can be reached at (740) 681-4340 or jbarron@lancaster eaglegazette.com.