Noel L. Miller Jr.

Noel grew up in Haslett and graduated from Haslett High School in 1951. There, he played football, basketball, and baseball, still holding the Haslett boys’ basketball team record for single-game scoring at 44 points. A few years after graduating, Noel served in the US. Army from 1956-1958 and married Rosemary Devlin on September 17th, 1960, in Lansing. Sports remained important to Noel throughout his life, cheering for the MSU Spartans and the DeWitt Panthers, but nothing was as important as his family. Being a dad, Papa, and great-grandfather were the highlights of his life. “Papa Noel” was exceptional in his love and support of his family, attending grandchildren’s games year-round, vacationing with family, building swings in his trees, and always creating a welcoming environment for everyone. He was well-known for his quick wit and exceptional listening skills, always remembering the little details. He was also known for his delicious tomatoes, using them to make family, friends, and strangers happy; he even planted and grew 100 plants by himself at 86 years young! He will be missed incredibly by those who loved him and called him Dad, Papa, brother or friend.

Noel is survived by his daughter, Marla (Mark) Owen, and sons Tim Miller and Anthony Miller; grandsons Mark (Heather) Owen, Jr. and Tyler Owen; granddaughters and daughters of Dawn, Taylar (James) Jackson and Morgan Miller; granddaughters and daughters of Heather, Emma Miller and Arianna Miller; great-grandchildren Brian Owen and Kennedy Owen; siblings Neville Miller (FL), June Ferguson (MI), Marilyn Evans (FL), Nel Miller (MI), and Jeff Miller (MI).

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosemary; his sister, Janice Raymond; and parents Noel Sr. and Florence Miller.

A Memorial Mass will be held on May 19, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge St., DeWitt. Visitation before Mass at 10 a.m.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.GRDeWitt.com