We are sorry to report the passing of a cherished Johnson cousin, Max Lee Miller, aged 86, of Red Oak, Iowa on 22 February 2011. He dearly loved his family and, as written in his obituary, “Max cherished the times he spent with his Johnson cousins.” Max is a great grandson of Philip Paddleford Johnson and a grandson of Hazzard Larkin Johnson (Uncle Haddy). Our Uncle Wylie Pierson Johnson (Max’s first cousin, once removed) said, “I think Max was at all the Johnson Cousin Iowa Reunions that I have attended over the past 42 years.”

Below is the obituary as published on the website of the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak. We send our deepest love and sympathy to Max’s family in Iowa.

Max Lee Miller
May 15, 1924 - February 22, 2011
Birthplace: Rural Elliott, Iowa
Resided In: Elliott, Iowa

Visitation 2/27/2011
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel
Service 2/28/2011
Elliott Church of Christ
Burial 2/28/2011
Elliott Hillside Cemetery

Max L. Miller, age 86, of Elliott, Iowa, passed away on February 22, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Red Oak, Iowa. Max Lee Miller was born May 15, 1924 on the Miller Family Farm in rural Pottawattamie County, northwest of Elliott, the only son of Harry L. and Blanche M. (Johnson) Miller. Max grew up and lived his entire life on the Miller Family Farm. He spent his youth working with his father, Harry and grandfather, William. They had a large livestock operation as well as row crops. They raised cattle, horses and hogs. Max attended Rose Hill Country School through 8th grade and received a Pottawattamie County Scholar Award. He then attended Elliott High School where he was a standout football player. He graduated Valedictorian of the Elliott High School Class of 1942. Max was drafted to serve his country, but was deferred due to medical reasons. He then attended Iowa State University. He returned home to help on the Miller Farm and to keep a close eye on his sweetheart, Margaret Welsch, the local school teacher. Max married Margaret on June 22, 1947 at the Church of Christ in Elliott, Iowa. They made their home on the Miller Farm. To this union three children were born, Marla Lee and twins Douglas Charles and Dennis Harry. Along with farming, Max started a hay baling and fertilizer application business which evolved into Miller Farm Supply, which Max and Margaret owned and operated in Elliott for over 40 years. Max was a life-long member of the Elliott Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and trustee. He was a Waveland Township trustee from 1952-2006, Waveland Cemetery trustee, served on the Farm Bureau and was a member of the Elliott Businessmen. He also was a field tax assessor for Pottawattamie County. Max and Margaret enjoyed square dancing and were on a bowling league. They enjoyed vacationing at Little Pine Lake in Perham, Minnesota, where Max earned the name “Commodore” for all his boating experiences. They also enjoyed driving through the mountains of Colorado and most recently, wintering in Mesa, Arizona. He was part of a trap shooting club and enjoyed deer hunting. He was known to always have a camera or tape recorder going and often captured memories at some of the most opportune times. He enjoyed the soothing music of the Statler Brothers, big bands and Polka. And was an avid fan of the “Dukes of Hazard”, “Matlock” and “Murder She Wrote”. Max cherished the times he spent with his Johnson cousins. His true passion was watching his grandchildren grow as he taught them to drive a car, boat, tractor and Dixon mower and water ski. And he always wanted them to “write when they got work”.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; his infant twin sons, Douglas and Dennis in 1954; his sister, Geneva Weston Silk in 1983; and his wife, Margaret on July 30, 2010. He is survived by his daughter, Marla Turner and husband Doug of Elliott, Iowa; four grandchildren: Michelle Cross and husband Chuck of Indianola, Iowa; Barb Gilliland and husband Toby of Red Oak, Iowa; Dawn LeRette and husband Brian of Red Oak, Iowa; and Mark Turner of Elliott, Iowa; seven great grandchildren: Mitch, Chase and Megan Cross; Danielle, Tanner and Jaydan Gilliland; and Joshua LeRette; sister-in-law, Regina Welsch of Red Oak, Iowa; many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Max L. Miller of Elliott, Iowa will be Monday, February 28, 2011 at 11AM at the Church of Christ in Elliott, Iowa. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Elliott, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, IA. Memorials are suggested to the Elliott Church of Christ or the Elliott Business and Betterment.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak is in charge of arrangements.