Robert E. Miller

Robert E. Miller (REM, as he like to be called), 87, left his earthly home to enter his heavenly one with family by his side, Friday, March 30, 2018. The son of the late Edward and Dula Switzer-Miller, was born September 9, 1930, in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended Chaney High School. Upon graduation in 1948, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country as a Radarman First Class on The USS Toledo during the Korean War. During his down time on the ship, He would write to his, never-before-met pen-pal, Donna Abey. Donna, blossomed into the love of his life through those letters and became Donna Miller when they wed on November 15, 1952. They were married for 60 years, and eventually called Warren, Ohio, home.

An avid fan of electronics, REM worked repairing, cleaning and buffing sweepers as a young boy at a local shop owned by family friends. By 13, he passed his Morse Code test, built a 6’ high, rack transmitter and secured his Amateur Radio License and HAM Radio Handle. He honed his electronics education during his enlistment where he operated and maintained the ship’s installed radar and electronic Warcraft equipment. By 1963, he set sail on his own endeavor and founded, REM Electronics Supply Co., Inc., a Warren institution, where his legacy will continue through employees and customers, both present and past.

REM was a long-time member of The Warren Buckeye Club, and Trumbull Country Club, where he served as President from 1979-1982. He enjoyed golf, playing Gin Rummy, and most of all, traveling the world with Donna. REM and Donna split their time between their homes in Warren and Sanibel Island, FL; they cherished their time spent on the Gulf with family and friends.

Memories of Robert will be carried on by his children, Robert Miller of Florida, Janet Dyer of Howland, Randall Miller, of Howland, and Barbara Heltzel (Michael) of South Euclid, OH; and grandchildren, Gretchen, Patrick, Caroline and Mark Heltzel, nieces, nephews and his ever-faithful labradoodle, Tassie.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kristan, Regina, Angela and Caroline, the Home Instead caregivers who lovingly cared for REM during the past few months, and Hospice of the Valley for their gentle, caring and loving ways.

REM was preceded in death by his father, Edward Miller; his mother, Dula Switzer-Miller; his beautiful wife, Donna; and his brother, Edward Miller.

The family will receive friends at McFarland-Barbee Family Funeral Home on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 1:30 – 2:30 pm followed immediately by a memorial service to take place at the funeral home, with Pastor Bill Carter from Believers Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or your favorite animal charity. Please visit www.McFarlandBarbeeCares.com to view obituary, light a candle or send condolences.