Joel R. Miller, 89, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, in

Odessa, Texas.

Joel was born on June 12, 1935, in Ryan, Oklahoma, to Lilah

Rhea and Joe N. Miller. He grew up in Duncan, Oklahoma,

where he graduated from Duncan High School. Following

graduation, Joel proudly served his country for eight years in

the United States Army, a commitment that would forever

shape his life and values.

While serving in the military, Joel met his first wife, Yasu

“Suzie” Higa in Okinawa. They were married for 29 years

before her passing and together raised their family, creating

many cherished memories with their children Susan and

Robert.

After his military service, Joel built a long and respected career

at Sid Richardson Carbon Company, retiring in 1996. This is

where he met the love of his life Genie (Crooks). On December

25, 1988, they married and together they shared over 36 years

of love, laughter, and countless memories.

Retirement did not slow him down; instead, it marked the

beginning of a new chapter. Joel became an ordained minister

and served as pastor of Birdwell Lane Methodist Church. He

also spent 17 years faithfully serving as Chaplain for the

Emergency Services Corps, the Big Spring Police Department,

the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, the Big Spring Fire

Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. His

compassion, guidance, and prayers touched countless lives

throughout the community.

Joel was a man of many talents. He was an avid fisherman, a

skilled craftsman, and a published writer. His adventurous

spirit was matched only by his deep love for his family.

Joel was preceded in death by his first wife, Yasu “Suzie”

Miller, his parents Lilah Rhea and Joe N. Miller, and his sister

Ann Phillips.

He is survived by his loving wife, Genie Miller; his children:

daughter Susan Rogers (Carl), son Robert Miller (Dawn), son

Matt Crooks (Melissa), and daughter Kathleen Crooks. He was

a proud Grandad to Kristen Upchurch (Mitchell), Tyler

Johnson (Jayme), Kelly Miller, Daniel Crooks, Ethan Crooks

(Hannah), Riley Crooks, Blake Merria and three greatgrandchildren: Shiloh, Sadie, and John Crooks.

A celebration of Joel’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 29,

2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Myers & Smith Funeral Home, 301 E.

24th St, Big Spring, Texas.

Joel’s kindness, faith, and service will long be remembered by

all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com.