Eugene Raymond “Gene” Miller, 73, of Milam, TX, formerly of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in Lufkin, Texas due to complications from Covid-19. Gene earned his Master’s Degree at Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky. He taught Industrial Arts and Special Education classes at Mt. Vernon Township High School, Mt. Vernon, Illinois for 35 years and was also in charge of the Color Guard Team. Gene was a member of the Goshen Trail Longrifles Club and SASS Cowboy Action Shooting, an Eagle Scout, and Boy Scout Leader. He was very active at Liberty Springs United Methodist Church being on the Board of Trustees and other church activities.
Cremation arrangements were handled by Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, Texas. Gene will be buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The family will be holding two memorial services honoring Gene’s life. For our friends in Illinois a visitation hour will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at Oakwood Cemetery, 2216 Broadway, Mt. Vernon, Illinois on Saturday, May 8, 2021 with the graveside memorial service beginning at 1:00 pm with Reverend Jacob Gray officiating. Services will be coordinated by Hughey Funeral Home of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Both services will be held outdoors and socially distanced. Our family asks that during these difficult times of the Covid pandemic that you always wear your masks and socially distance in both your daily life and wherever your travels may take you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Springs UMC, PO Box 121, Milam, TX 75959 or to a charity of your choice. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Beasley) Miller of Milam, Texas, whom he married on December 22, 1973 in Mount Vernon, Illinois; son, Billy R. Miller and wife, Renae of Peoria, Illinois; daughter, Lori J. (Miller)Showers and husband, Will of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; grandchildren, Anna Showers, Samantha Showers, Michael Showers, Adam Miller, and Hannah Miller; stepmother-in-law, Donna (Smyth) Beasley; and other nephews, nieces, and family.
Gene was born on April 28, 1947 to Raymond D. Miller and Ruby (Moore) Miller in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Loreva (Miller) Johnson; parents-in-law, Bill J. and Josephine Beasley; and brother-in-law, Joe B. Beasley.
