Walter Jene Miller, born October 25, 1924 in Hollis, Oklahoma, was one of twin sons born to Raymond Delbert and Nono Louise Niles Miller. Nono died of complications of childbirth, and E. P. and Rexie Adams stepped in to help raise the twins.

Jene excelled academically, as did his two brothers. He knew from an early age he was bound for the ministry. At age 18 he enlisted in the army. Because he had a preacher's license, could play the piano, and could type, he qualified for a position as Chaplain's Assistant. In that role he participated in the Normandy Invasion and served in England, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. During his military service he earned a Sharpshooter Rifle qualification, drove a 3/4 ton jeep, and served along the Mosel River.

He completed his B.A. in English at the University of Oklahoma, where he met Gloria Swanson through the Wesley Foundation. They were married in 1948. He obtained a M.Ed. at East Texas State University, and completed a Masters of Theology at Southern Methodist University. His doctorate work was done at National Christian University of Missouri.

In his 50 years in the Oklahoma Methodist Conference, Jene served many congregations, including Barnsdall Methodist, Limestone/East Cross Methodist in Bartlesville, Britton Methodist in Oklahoma City, Blackwell Methodist, Linwood United Methodist in Oklahoma City, Edmond First United Methodist, Grace United Methodist in Altus, Snyder United Methodist, and Arnett United Methodist, where he retired.

Jene was fearless in speaking out against prejudice and challenging stereotypes. He enjoyed a good controversy, yet had the gift of making people think and come together, rather than perpetuating divisiveness within a community. He never hesitated to offer his opinion and challenge the status quo. One of his lasting legacies is the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference Gridiron. He co-founded this humorous take on conference politics with fellow conspirators and their spouses, providing a way for friends and rivals to relax and laugh with each other.

Never forgetting the trauma and sights he saw in Normandy, he spent the rest of his life bringing people together regardless of race or creed, and was active in the civil rights movement. Shortly before his death, he delivered the baccalaureate address at Arnett High School to good reviews by parents and students alike. He spent his last day taking his usual "walk-around," greeting people and telling jokes and stories for the sole purpose of making someone's day better. He passed peacefully in his sleep the next morning, May 17th, at the age of 86.

Jene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gloria F. Swanson Miller; his daughters and their families Nona, Michael and Brenda Clifton; Karen Miller and John, Nels, and Cameron Ballard; and his two brothers Jess and Ray Miller and their families; as well as the E. P. Adams family.