Charles W. Miller

Charles William Miller, 87, of Littleton Colorado peacefully passed away on July 10, 2015 with his family at his side. Charlie was born Jan 29, 1928 to Ray and Ethel Marie Miller in Clovis, New Mexico. Charlie was a dreamer who grew up with a love of flying. He realized many of his dreams during his lifetime and spoke often of all the blessings God had given him.

Charlie started flying when he was 13 years old and later used those skills, serving in WWII at the early age of 16, where he pioneered the usage of combat drones. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He later moved to Lubbock, TX with his family where he met and married Polly O. Mills. They honeymooned in Estes Park, Colorado deciding that they someday would return to live in Colorado. Their marriage lasted for 61 beautiful years.

His career started in a curio store on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, where he loved working with the native Indians to sell their hand made rugs and pottery. He and Polly moved to Phoenix where he worked at the Air Research Patent Office. It was in Phoenix that they adopted their 2 children, Sandra Kay and Douglas Whitman.

They later moved to Denver, Colorado where he helped build the Bobcat market for construction and mining. He was the Western District Rep covering multiple states and traveled many weeks out of the year. His work with Bobcat gave him entry into many interesting places, a created many lasting friendships. He was named "Man of the Year" several times over the years and built a successful life for his family. In the late 70's, Charlie became the Bobcat Dealer in Denver. He opened Empire Bobcat and began associations with other Equipment Manufacturers like Snorkle, Smith Mitey Lift, and Burkeen. He eventually returned back to his love of travel, by being a Rep for Snorkel.

Charlie was a man of Faith and Service. He was a member of the Applewood Valley United Methodist Church since 1968, and volunteered over the years at the Denver Food Bank, Kiwanis, and the Colorado Trail. He was also a Stephen Minister, but his most meaningful work was with the Alpha Team at the Jeffco County Jail helping to introduce inmates to God. He was blessed to see the transformation in many of the men that he worked with and believed that their time together would help the men find a better path after release.

Charlie was a talented artist, focusing on sketching and water colors. He and Polly loved hiking and biking, and traveled extensively over the world, including over 17 trips with Elderhostel/Road Scholar, as well as trips to the Holy Lands, Germany, New Zealand, and many other locations. His greatest joy in life was his family and he especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren.

Charlie will be remembered for his story telling, his sense of humor, his love of children, and his joy of life. He accomplished many things in his life that he could only dream of as a boy, and believed that he had been blessed many times over by God. He left this earth satisfied that his work here was done and that better things lay ahead of him.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Polly; Children Sandy (Sean) Hicks and Doug (Beth) Miller; Grandchildren Stephanie Hicks, Christopher Miller, and Michael Miller; Sisters Pat (Larry) Greathouse and Maxine Koscielski, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ray "Buddy" Miller, his sister, Marie Loftus, and grandson, Alan Hicks.

Memorial Services will be held at Applewood Valley United Methodist Church on Thurs, July 23 at 11:00 am, with a reception immediately following. A private family interment will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery the previous day.

Memorial contributions can be made to Applewood Valley United Methodist Church or the Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange.

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