Samuel D. Miller

Samuel D. Miller, Sr., age 65, of Dover, passed away Friday, September 11, 2009.Born January 28, 1944 in Millersburg, he was the son of the late Daniel and Anna (Swartzentruber) Miller. After finishing his formal education, Sam began his career as a Merchant Marine which he dearly loved. Sam spent more than 30 years sailing on the Great Lakes. He worked for the Oglebay Norton Co. for more than 30 years before his retirement. There, he sailed on several different ships as an oiler including The Joseph H. Frantz and the Calumet, Columbia Star. He was affectionately known as “Sailor Sam”. In his retirement, he continued to sail part-time for Grand River Navigation, the company his son is employed by also.Sam was a free spirit who also deeply loved his family and was an avid fan of the Cleveland sports teams. When he was not sailing, Sam enjoyed his time with his children, Jane (Mark) Striker of Uhrichsville, Samuel Miller, Jr. and Christina Miller of Canton. He will also be deeply missed by his two grandsons, Mark and Noah Striker, who referred to him as “Pap-Pap”; his dear friend, Ken Whiting of Idaho; and his former wife and friend, Shelley Miller of Uhrichsville. Sam is also survived by his sisters, Mariam (Jonas) Troyer of Wooser, Sarah (Melvin) Shrock of Danville, and Elsie (Roy) Yoder of Millersburg; and his brothers, Joe Miller of Walnut Creek and Robert (Darlene) Miller of Parma. Numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.Cremation will be conducted through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.Friends are invited to send Sam’s family personal condolences by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.