Kenneth Ray Miller, 93, of Garden Grove, California, passed away on February 11, 2023, after a 10-year battle with COPD. Kenneth was born on February 16, 1929, to Vera Mae Crane and Russell John Miller in Terre Haute, Indiana. Kenneth was the middle child with two sisters, Louise Holler, and Mary June Burton.

Before graduating from High School at State High, he went on to join the Army at the age of 16. His father went with him to the recruiter, because he was under 18 to join. When the recruiter found out that he was colorblind and flat-footed, they were unable to accept him into the Army. Kenny pleaded with the recruiter who later found out that he was an exceptional musician and could play multiple instruments including the clarinet. Kenneth played clarinet in the 158th Army marching band, where he got to play in ceremonies. He took basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. He was later stationed in Fort Knox Kentucky where he earned his Marksman for Rifle on October 8, 1946. He stayed in the Army for three years with an honorable discharge in 1948.

Kenneth got Married to Ada Irene Soames early in 1948. Shortly after they had 4 children, Steven Russell, Andrea Lynn, Nancy June, and Janine Theresa. They all grew up together in Redondo Beach in a quaint home where they spent their days at school and the beach.

Kenneth started his own business, KENMIL Corp, by manufacturing electronic components with flexible connector cables for aerospace parts.

After retiring from his business Kenneth moved to Honolulu, Oahu, where he worked at the University of Hawaii as a tool maker machinist, making parts for the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea. While in Hawaii, he met Joy Patterson and ended up getting married.

In 2017 Kenneth finally moved back to California, to live with his son, Steven Miller in Garden Grove. There, he would play Jazz on the piano and watch all of his favorite westerns like "Gunsmoke," "The Rifleman", and "Bonanza. He got to enjoy his time with his favorite dogs, Lucky and Pearl. He would love to have his friends come over and they would paint pictures. Kenneth enjoyed cooking his food in his air fryer and loved to eat all kinds of food from Chili Relleno to KFC and Sushi. He made a huge impact on his family and will be missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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