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Russell Kay Miller, son of Ronald and Patricia (Bishop) Miller was born December 13, 1954 at a U.S. Navy Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. He was suddenly called from this life on August 10, 2020 at the age of 65 years, 7 months and 28 days.
His family lived in Connecticut, Maine and Borger, TX. before settling in Arnett, OK. in 1960. Russell grew up in the Arnett community and attended Arnett Public Schools graduating with the class of 1973. He furthered his education at Central State University in Edmond, OK. then returned to Arnett where he was employed at Farmers and Merchants Bank for eight years. He owned and operated the Arnett Grocery Store for several years and also had a farming, ranching operation. Nascar was a special interest. Russell was baptized at the Arnett Christian Church in 1969 and had been the Administrative Council Chairman at the Arnett United Methodist Church. He was a current member of the 1000 Hills Ranch Church in Woodward, OK. Russell was the father of three children, Kris Miller, Chanda Miller Jones and Bryan Miller. On December 13, 1989 he was united in marriage to Linda Schlepp in Las Vegas, NV. at the United Methodist Church. Her children Justin Schlepp and Jennie Schlepp Elmore joined the family.
Russell was involved in the Arnett community serving on the Arnett Town Board and as a member of the school board. He was a volunteer fireman, receiving the Fireman of the Year award in 1985 and 1987 and served as Fire Chief in 1986 and 1987. He was active in the Kiwanis Club, serving as President and was a recipient of the Oklahoma Good Neighbor award. He served as the Emergency Management Director for Ellis County and was a member of the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association. Russell was instrumental in developing wildland firefighting strategy for the State of Oklahoma and the techniques he developed for wildland Fire Task Forces were replicated across the state. He was highly respected by his peers. Matt Lehenbauer, Woodward County Emergency Management Director, stated, “I can’t begin to tell you how many lives and how much property he has saved in N.W. Oklahoma throughout his career.”
Russell loved his family, his community and was a friend and mentor to many.
He is preceded in death by his Mother, Patricia (Pat) Miller, his younger brother, Ronnie Miller and granddaughter Tristan Schlepp. He is survived by his wife, Linda Miller of Arnett, OK. and his father, Ronald Miller of Arnett, OK. His children, Kris Miller and wife, Shelli of Woodward, OK., Chanda Jones and husband Nick of Oklahoma City, OK., Bryan Miller of Arnett, OK., Justin Schlepp and wife Kayla of Manhattan, KS. and Jennie Elmore and husband Jason of Waukomis, OK. eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Private graveside services were held on August 11, 2020 at DeBolte Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22, at 10:30 a.m. at the Arnett First Baptist Church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Arnett Firefighters Association in care of Shaw Funeral Home; P.O. Box 276; Vici, OK 73859.
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