For Richard J. “Dick” Miller, community service was more than just getting his name out into the community. It was a calling, according to his wife of 62 years.

“He loved people and wanted to become a part of the community, he wanted to support the community,” Gloria Thompson Miller said. “He felt like he was born to help people. When he did become involved with an organization and realized the needs were there, he was always the first one to jump in and fulfill that need.”

Dick, who passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday, was the longtime funeral director for Thompson-Miller Funeral Home in Butler. He was involved in many local civic organizations including various Masonic groups, the Butler Country Club, Red Cross, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, and Butler Memorial Hospital Advisory Board, according to his obituary.

Stan Kosciuszko, president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, said Dick previously served as the chairman of the board in 1972, and was very active with the group until he became ill.

“Dick was extremely knowledgeable and a very important part of that,” he said.

Kosciuszko said Dick's business was also an important supporter of the Chamber in many functions, including as a sponsor for golf outings, monetary support for the group and as a sponsor of the Leadership Butler County's graduation ceremony.

“He and his wife have been very big on education and training young people,” Kosciuszko said. “Whenever you need something you call upon Thompson-Miller. He really helped make the community great.”

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.