Chester W. Miller

Miller – Chester Wess, 96, Johnstown, was called home on August 18, 2015. Born on June 27, 1919 in Johnstown, son of George and Emma (Wess) Miller. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dorrie A. “DA”, George and Bill Miller; sisters, Margaret Stiffler, Ruth Funk, Gladys Miller; nephew, Duane Miller, and niece, Phyllis Schoenthal. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Harriett M. (Calhoon) Miller, Johnstown; sons, Geoffrey Miller, Phoenix, AZ, John Miller, Laughlintown; daughter, Ann, wife of Jim Kreucher, West Palm Beach, FL; grandson, Benjamin, married to the former Ami Snow, Phoenix, AZ; great grandchildren, Kara and Devin Miller, both of Phoenix, AZ. Also survived by sister, Betty Price; nephews, Dave Price and wife, Barb, Larry Miller and wife, Judy, Denny Miller and wife, Linda, and Lee Miller and nieces, Katherine Hoffman, and Emma Griffith. Chester was drafted into the Army in 1942 and served valiantly as a Corporal in the 238th Engineer Combat Battalion during WWII. He met his future wife, Harriett, while in college. Thanks to the GI Bill, Chet earned a BS in Music Education and a Masters of Education from IUP and a Masters of Arts from Columbia University, NYC. He taught music at Salisbury Area High School; taught music and served as a Guidance Counselor at Meyersdale Area High School, and was the Guidance Counselor at Windber Area High School until he retired in 1981. However, Chet did not actually retire, but continued to work as a Career Counselor for Operation First Step, Johnstown, until 1990. A true tenor, Chet sang in the First Lutheran Church Choir and was the tenor soloist for many productions of Handel’s Messiah. He also directed the Youth and Junior Choir at First Lutheran Church and the Adult Choirs at Park Avenue and Beulah United Methodist Churches. Chet taught private voice lessons as well. A devoted husband and father, Chet always put his faith in God and family first. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Friday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh and from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. on Saturday at First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Lynne O’Shea officiating. Interment will be at Headrick Union Cemetery with military rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. The family suggests contributions be directed to the First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine Street, Johnstown, PA 15901 in memory of Chester. On line condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.