Clergy Family

Jene Miller

Rev. Dr. Walter Jene Miller, 86, of Arnett died May 17, 2011.

Jene was one of twin sons born to Raymond and Nono Miller on Oct. 25, 1924, in Hollis.

He knew from an early age that he was bound for the ministry. At 18, he enlisted in the Army. Because he held a preaching license, played the piano, and typed, he qualified as Chaplain’s Assistant. During World War II, he served in Europe.

He met Gloria F. Swanson through the Wesley Foundation while studying at the University of Oklahoma, and they married in 1948. His doctorate work was done at National Christian University of Missouri.

In 1951, he began his ministry career in the North Texas Conference. His first Oklahoma appointment was in 1954 at Bartlesville and Barnsdall. He also served East Cross and Limestone churches in Bartlesville, OKC-Britton, Blackwell, OKC-Linwood, Edmond-First, Altus-Grace, Snyder, and Kingston. After retirement, he was pastor at Arnett, 1994-2007.

Miller was a campus minister at OU and directed Skyline Urban Ministry and TEEM (The Education & Employment Ministry).

Survivors include his wife, Gloria, and daughters Nona and Karen.

Memorial service was June 2 at the Arnett High School Auditorium.

• Oma Rea Mahaffey, 85, of Texarkana, Ark., died May 24. She was the mother of Rev. Michael Mahaffey, pastor at Fairview and Catesby.