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Norman Freemont Miller

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Norman Freemont Miller

Birth
Fulton, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, USA
Death
15 Apr 1957 (aged 55)
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, USA
Burial
Fulton, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Norman Freemont Miller's journey began on April 20, 1901, in Fulton, Michigan. He was born to George and Alice Zerby Miller, entering the world as the eldest of eight siblings. Despite facing the limitations of an eighth-grade education, Norman's spirit was indomitable, propelling him to make his mark on the world.

A skilled mechanic, Norman's hands-on expertise found a home at various establishments, including the Checker Cab Co., where he meticulously worked on vehicles. Additionally, he was an esteemed member of the Loyal Order of Moose, reflecting his commitment to community and camaraderie.

Norman's first venture into matrimony was with Leta Beach on April 22, 1921. During this period, he supported his family as a factory worker at a paper mill. This union brought forth four children – Dorothy Marie, Gladys Jean, Norman LeRoy, and Mary Lou. The family's address at 727 Vine St. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, witnessed the beautiful moments they shared.

However, the marriage with Leta came to an end in 1930, resulting in the children primarily residing with her. Despite the separation, Norman's affection for his children remained evident, as he created cherished memories like treating his daughters to ice cream.

In 1934, Norman embarked on a new chapter, marrying Helen Louise James Watkins. Helen's life had been defined by hardship and struggle, which may have contributed to her battles with mental health. From this marriage, Norman embraced Helen's daughters, Dorothy and Mildred Reames. Their journey led them through several residences in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and even Niles, Michigan. Their experiences were undoubtedly marked by challenges, including an incident involving Helen pouring boiling water on her daughter.

The complexity of Norman's life unraveled further when he had an affair with Helen's adult daughter, Dorothy, during Helen's time in prison. This affair resulted in the birth of a son, James (Jimmy) Miller, who was raised by Helen as her own. Norman and Helen eventually parted ways, finalizing their divorce in 1949.

In 1951, tragedy struck when Norman's son, Norman LeRoy Miller, lost his life in the Korean War. This devastating loss etched a profound mark on Norman's heart.

In the midst of life's hardships, Norman found love once more, marrying Martha Weston between 1949 and 1952. This union brought together two families, as Martha had two adult children, Beryl Eudora and Edwin George. Their address at 516 Locust St. in Kalamazoo became a haven of shared experiences and mutual support.

The tapestry of Norman's life reached its conclusion on April 15, 1957, when he passed away at the age of 55. His journey was one of perseverance through challenges, a testament to the human spirit's ability to navigate the complexities of existence.

Norman Freemont Miller's legacy extends beyond the facts and dates, encapsulating the resilience he displayed in the face of life's trials. His story serves as a reminder that our journeys are woven from both joys and sorrows, shaping us into the individuals we become.
Norman Freemont Miller's journey began on April 20, 1901, in Fulton, Michigan. He was born to George and Alice Zerby Miller, entering the world as the eldest of eight siblings. Despite facing the limitations of an eighth-grade education, Norman's spirit was indomitable, propelling him to make his mark on the world.

A skilled mechanic, Norman's hands-on expertise found a home at various establishments, including the Checker Cab Co., where he meticulously worked on vehicles. Additionally, he was an esteemed member of the Loyal Order of Moose, reflecting his commitment to community and camaraderie.

Norman's first venture into matrimony was with Leta Beach on April 22, 1921. During this period, he supported his family as a factory worker at a paper mill. This union brought forth four children – Dorothy Marie, Gladys Jean, Norman LeRoy, and Mary Lou. The family's address at 727 Vine St. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, witnessed the beautiful moments they shared.

However, the marriage with Leta came to an end in 1930, resulting in the children primarily residing with her. Despite the separation, Norman's affection for his children remained evident, as he created cherished memories like treating his daughters to ice cream.

In 1934, Norman embarked on a new chapter, marrying Helen Louise James Watkins. Helen's life had been defined by hardship and struggle, which may have contributed to her battles with mental health. From this marriage, Norman embraced Helen's daughters, Dorothy and Mildred Reames. Their journey led them through several residences in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and even Niles, Michigan. Their experiences were undoubtedly marked by challenges, including an incident involving Helen pouring boiling water on her daughter.

The complexity of Norman's life unraveled further when he had an affair with Helen's adult daughter, Dorothy, during Helen's time in prison. This affair resulted in the birth of a son, James (Jimmy) Miller, who was raised by Helen as her own. Norman and Helen eventually parted ways, finalizing their divorce in 1949.

In 1951, tragedy struck when Norman's son, Norman LeRoy Miller, lost his life in the Korean War. This devastating loss etched a profound mark on Norman's heart.

In the midst of life's hardships, Norman found love once more, marrying Martha Weston between 1949 and 1952. This union brought together two families, as Martha had two adult children, Beryl Eudora and Edwin George. Their address at 516 Locust St. in Kalamazoo became a haven of shared experiences and mutual support.

The tapestry of Norman's life reached its conclusion on April 15, 1957, when he passed away at the age of 55. His journey was one of perseverance through challenges, a testament to the human spirit's ability to navigate the complexities of existence.

Norman Freemont Miller's legacy extends beyond the facts and dates, encapsulating the resilience he displayed in the face of life's trials. His story serves as a reminder that our journeys are woven from both joys and sorrows, shaping us into the individuals we become.

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Norman F. Miller, April 20, 1901, April 15, 1957



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