Merle Gene Miller, devoted husband, father, veteran, master craftsman, community volunteer and historian peacefully passed away on June 19, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born Dec. 3, 1930, in Burns, to Ira A. (Jack) and Zeta M. Dunten-Miller, Merle grew up in Drewsey and graduated from Crane High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Patricia L. Seely. They married on Nov. 11, 1951, and would celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary this year.

As an Oregon Technical Institute (now OIT) graduate in watch repair, Merle served in the U.S. Air Force in Austin, Texas, repairing aircraft timing gear. He held the title of being one of the first three Certified Master Watchmakers in Oregon.

First settling in Burns, he worked a brief time as a clerk at Hines Lumber Co., and Shooks Jewelry. He was a member of the local Burns Jaycees, which included planting trees that still stand proudly in Triangle Park today.

After moving to La Grande, he briefly worked at Birnie’s Jewelry, then later opened his own clock and watch repair storefront, Merle’s Time and Chime. He worked 22 years for Oregon State Parks, including serving as a project coordinator with Oregon Youth Authority, River Bend Crew. Deeply invested in his community, Merle was Scoutmaster of Troop 555 for 20 years, earning the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a local Boy Scouts council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader.

As a historian, he served as a board member for the Union County Museum and newsletter editor. He also volunteered as President of the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers and again served as newsletter editor, which was sent globally. He was given the pleasure of being the oldest Oregon member of The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Lewis and Clark Chapter. He enjoyed a life-long search for his family’s genealogy and enjoyed helping others find theirs as well.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Larry (Pam) Miller, Jana (Larry) Gruis, Jodi Miller, and Keri (Ken) Hagerman; sister, Lorene Munkers; and 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; and two infant grandsons.

The family invites friends to Merle’s memorial service to be held at Summerville Baptist Church on June 27 at 11 a.m., followed by a potluck sponsored by the Summerville Baptist Church.

To honor Merle’s lifelong love for history, please consider making a memorial contribution to either the Union County Museum at 331 S. Main St., Union, OR 97883 or to the Harney County Museum at PO Box 388, Burns, OR 97720.   

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com