Obituaries:  C. J. Miller, Jr., Sabine Parish       M-460
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., Dec 11, 1975
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net




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C. J. Miller, Jr.

  Hundreds paid a final tribute to Sgt. C. J. Miller Jr. of the
Louisiana State Police, Troop H, Saturday, Dec. 6, before he was
laid to rest in the Ft. Jesup Cemetery.

  Sgt. Miller, who was born and raised in the Ft. Jesup community,
had gained the love and admiration of many.

  He was killed instantly in a head-on collision on Highway 171,
south of Many, Thursday, Dec. 4, at 2:48 p.m.

  Born Aug. 2, 1928, to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Jason Miller Sr. of
Ft. Jesup, C. J., as he was known to all, was the eldest of eight
children. His forbearers were early settlers of the Ft. Jesup
community.

  C. J. attended Many High School until he was 16, when his
schooling was interrupted by the death of his mother. At that
time, he went to work for Libby Owens Ford Glass Co. in
Shreveport.

  Sgt. Miller sailed for five years with the Merchant Marines, and
served with the United States Army for two years. He was given an
Honorable Discharge, as Sergeant.

  He attended the Sabine Trade School under the G. I. Bill, and
completed a course in mechanics. He also took his high school
equivalency exam there and received his diploma in 1954.

  On Jan. 10, 1955, he joined the La. State Police. He attended
the La. State Police Academy in Baton Rouge, and had completed
numerous LSU extension courses.

  Sgt. Miller, a veteran law enforcement officer, was regarded by
all as being a fair and dedicated person and police officer.

  Capt. W. G. Parker, Troop H Commander, praised Sgt. Miller.
"Sgt. Miller was well respected, and we here at Troop H feel a
great sense of loss in his passing."

  "He was one of our oldest officers in length of service," Capt.
Parker stated, adding the Miller, who had been on the force
almost 21 years, had spoken of retirement in the last few days
before his death.

  "Our troopers looked to Sgt. Miller for guidance," Capt. Parker
said. "We will really miss him."

  Sgt. Miller was a member of the American Legion, the La. State
Troopers Association, and the La. Peace Officers Association.

  A Master Mason, Sgt. Miller was a member of Lodge 411 F&AM, the
Sabine Shrine Club, and the El Karubah Temple. He was also an
active member of the Trinity Baptist Church.

  Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Hazel Miller of Many; two
sons, Joey Lane Miller of Marthaville, and Johnny Wayne Miller of
Many; one daughter, Frances Hodge of Many; his father, C. J.
Miller Sr. of Many; two brothers, Leroy Miller of Robeline, and
Douglas Miller of Many; four sisters, Thelma Gray of Shreveport,
Norale Miner of Longstar, Tex., Alice Williams of Conroe, Tex.,
and Freddie Jean Leggett of Houston, Tex.

  Funeral services were held at the Trinity Baptist Church
Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. The tiny church was filled to
capacity, as hundreds more waited outside.

  The Rev. H. H. Tibbitts, the Rev. Brent Fleming, and the Rev.
Glenn Flenniken officiated at the service.

  Pallbearers were Sgt. Miller's colleagues, Capt. Gene W. Parker,
Lt. Jack Martin, Sgt. Joe Byles, Lt. R. V. Bolton, Lt. W. G.
Gordy, Trooper Wingate Dowden, Trooper Frankie D. Bozeman, and
Trooper Lee R. Isgitt.

  A procession of La. State Police cars, with their lights
flashing, led the funeral procession from the church to the Ft.
Jesup Cemetery.

  Masonic rites were performed at the graveside by Lodge No. 411
F&AM.

  The Warren Meadows Funeral Home of Many handled the
arrangements. La. State Police guards were on 24-hour watch at
the funeral home, during visiting hours, prior to the funeral.