Charles A. Miller

Charles A. Miller, 56, of Zion, IL died February 26, 2016 at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, IL. Charles will be remembered as a brilliant, caring man that loved God, his friends and family. Spending time with his children brought great joy. He loved his long, deep discussions with his like minded daughter and was so thankful she recently moved to help care for him. Time spent with his son camping, fishing, riding dirt bikes and tinkering in the garage was the thing he loved most. Growing up in Phoenix Arizona he cherished his summer trips with his grandfather. He was primarily raised by his mother Norma, his beloved grandmother Thelma and grandfather Dennis. Precious Memories were also created with his Aunt Linda, Uncle Dale and Uncle Eric. Charles enjoyed the outdoors in many different capacities. Camping, hiking, fishing and riding motorcycles was a fun way to spend time. His real passion in life was discovered after receiving his private pilot license. He never felt so close to God as when he was up in a Piper or Cesna airplane. One of his ultimate goals was achieved when he flew a float plane in Alaska which was a dream come true. Charles always wanted to become an astronaut so piloting a small aircraft was the next best thing. He was encouraged by family to pursue an engineering career and did just that. He worked primarily in the Semiconductor field however later on he worked in the Aviation industry and also manufacturing where he settled into using his 6 Sigma Blackbelt training, and landed a position as the Director of Quality. He was a great man that touched lives through the many places he lived and he will be missed. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Deborah Lehman Miller; children, Nicholas Ryan Miller, and Marissa Ashley Miller; mother, Norma Lawson; father-in-law, Robert Lehman Sr.; step-brothers, Brock Lawson, brothers-in-law Dale (Suzi) Lehman, Dan (Belisa) Lehman, and Dave (Sue) Lehman, all who he considered to be his blood relatives; aunt, Linda (Dale) Brewer; uncle, Eric (Marie Louise) Vannerson; and cousins, Gary, Tony, and David Brewer. He was preceded in death by his father, Cleave Miller; grandparents, Dennis and Thelma Vannerson; and mother-in-law, Lila Lehman. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations to the ALS Foundation, www.alsawi.org would be appreciated. Please visit the online guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.