Charles "Chuck" Franklin Miller

Charles “Chuck” Franklin Miller, 71, of Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away at Ascension St John Nowata, on July 21, 2024. Chuck was born on April 17, 1953, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Herman T. Miller Jr. and Anna Luella (Parret) Miller. 

He grew up in the Nowata area, graduating from Nowata High School in 1971. During Chuck’s senior year, playing football with the 1970-1971 Nowata Ironmen football team, the team won the Oklahoma State Championship. Chuck played center for the Nowata Ironmen and was very proud of the Ironmen’s Championship title. He went on to attend Rogers State College in Claremore, OK, receiving an associate degree in education. On June 30, 1973, Chuck married the love of his life, Cindy Bell at the Hillside Christian Church in Nowata. The couple made their home in Nowata and shared over 51 years together before Chuck’s passing.

Chuck began his career at the age of 18, driving a concrete truck for his family’s business. He went on to drive a concrete truck for Bartlesville Redi Mix. He then worked for 21 years at the Port of Catoosa, at UmiCore, working as a material handler. At the time of his passing, Chuck worked at the Cherokee Nation as the facility maintenance person. Chuck was also a volunteer fire department member at the Nowata Fire Department, before retiring after 20 years. 

Chuck had several interests which included hunting and fishing, traveling, and antiquing. Chuck was friendly and told the best stories. He enjoyed visiting with people, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. One of Chuck’s favorite past times to get his family out of the house was to take the family on wildlife drives, where the family would keep track of what animals and things they would encounter in nature on their rides. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Herman and Anna Miller; his brother: Tony Miller, and his son: Curtly Miller.

Chuck is survived by his wife: Cindy Miller of Nowata, OK; his children: Chris Miller of Nowata, OK, Adam Miller and wife, Emily of Independence, KS, Lori Miller of Nowata, OK, Sarah Franklin and husband, Chris of Sallisaw, OK, and Ashly Guthrie of Nowata, OK; his grandchildren: Cade Miller, Morgan Miller, Lane Swepston and wife, Destinee, Emily Reece, Isabelle and Ava Guthrie, and Cash Franklin on the way, his brother: Ted Miller and his sister: Sharon Laughlin, along with many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel at 10:00 am with Pastor Larry Osborn officiating. Interment will follow at the Secondine Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.