Dr. Charles Edward Miller

Dr. Charles Edward Miller entered peacefully into rest with his loving wife Carolyn by his side on Friday June 24, 2011. 

Charles was born in Portland, Ore. on Aug. 11, 1926. He was the youngest of three children. Charles was raised in Portland, Ore. and when he turned 17 he enlisted into the Army Air Corps along with his two sisters who served in different branches of the military.

Upon discharge he started his education at the University of Oregon where he obtained his bachelors and masters degrees. Charles did doctoral studies at Columbia University and he went on to get his doctorate from University of Utah. He was also a visiting American Scholar at the University of London. 

Charles moved his family to Cheney in 1969 and applied at Eastern Washington University for professor of education. He was hired and taught for 33 years at Eastern. Charles loved teaching; it was his passion next to his family and traveling. He found and spear headed the moving of the “One Room School House” to the Eastern campus. Charles served on many committees, community groups, unions and legislatures. Charles will be remembered for many traits and passions but he will always live on through his students. While studying at Pacific Business College he met his wife Celia Keeling. They were married for 38 years and they had four sons together. They divorced in 1990 and he met his lovely wife Carolyn and they were married in 1992. 

One of Charles' great passions was traveling; he traveled to all the continents of the world and all 50 states. He was truly a world traveler. The education and memories his children gained while traveling they will forever cherish. Charles was finally blessed with grandchildren at the age of 76. Unfortunately before his first grandchild was born he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Charles was only able to enjoy his grandchildren a few years before the disease began taking hold of his life.  

Charles is preceded in death by his father Harry Miller, mother Edna and sisters Wyona Denman and Hazel Davies and his son Daniel Miller. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Miller, sons: Thomas Miller (Diana), Benjamin (Susanne) Miller, Timothy (Cherie) Miller and his two grandchildren Isabella and Philip Miller. Step-children: Lad Hargrave, Heidi Schuette (John), Heather McQuarter(Doug), Lane Hargrave, and step grandchildren: Alexia, Howard, Hope Heaton, Konan, Aleyxander, Tryton & Arries McQuarter, Kenny and Jenna Hargrave.

Donations may be made to PBS. Viewing will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Cheney Funeral Chapel. Services will be 2 p.m. at Eastern Washington University on the grounds of the “One Room School House” with a reception to follow (parking on the street). Graveside to follow service and reception at Fairview Cemetery in Cheney. Online guestbook at cheneyfuneral.com.