It is with heavy heart that The Great Master of all scouts has arrived at the council fire and beckoned Miles A Church Jr to join his wife Irene Frances (Purdy) Church to a sit at his campfire. Born December 9, 1934, to Miles A Church Sr. and Sylvia B. (Selleck) Church. Miles Jr grew up in Lansing Michigan with his half-sisters, Dorothy Glen, Elleanor Charland, and Patricia Stevenson who preceded him in death.

He joined scouting first as a cub scout in 1944 and then after earning the Arrow of Light stayed in scouting till 1951 earning 1st Class.

After scouting he joined the Civil Air Patrol and found a young sergeant who was commanding his men around. Not able to fight this sergeant, he ended up marrying her. That sergeant was Irene Frances Purdy. She continued to command him and his family from June 9, 1956, when they married, till her death in 2020.

This union produced three children Martin (Brenda) Church of Ypsilanti MI, Luann Palmer of Fernandina Beach, FL and Wendy (Bob) Balaka of Dearborn MI. From these children came 10 Grandchildren (Joshua (Dianna)Palmer, Jason Palmer, Jacob Palmer, Lindsay Balaka, Bethany Church, Justin Palmer, Amanda (Mike) Ferrara, Gabriel Church, Jessica Balaka, and Abbi Balaka and 2 great grandchildren (Skylar and Paisley).

At the beginning of their marriage Uncle Sam called and he served in the army reserves for 2 years serving at Ft Leonard Wood MO and Ft. Riley KA. and 2 years at home in the ready reserves.

Employed at Ford Motor Company from 1962 till his retirement in 1999 working as a Specifications Analyst. While earning his Associates Degree at Henry Ford Community College.

Having lived in Taylor for their entire married Life, Miles served the community of Taylor by being a member of the Holland elementary School PTA, served has a member of the Taylor school board from 67-68. He also served on the Taylor Library board which built the Trolley Library. He was also a member of the Taylor Democratic Club.

In 1966 he rejoined scouting with his children, supporting his daughters in Girl Scouts as cookie Chair and his son in Boy Scouts, first as a member of the unit committee then as Webelos Den Leader, Pack Leader. When troop 825 beckoned, he became part of that committee. He was then asked to join the Huron district as unit commissioner, then the Chippewa District requested his services as district training Chair, serving on the council training team he provided adult training to many unit leaders.

He served as the Chairman of the district Camping Committee, the SME (friends of scouting today) district Chair. He also provided service to many other council projects and committees.

He guided both his son (Martin) and Grandson (Gabriel) to Eagle. and both Bethany and Gabriel to Venture Silver Award. His daughters completed the Girl Scouts Highest award First Class.

In 1974 he was elected to the Order of the Arrow, the Honor Society of Scouting, earning his Brotherhood in 1975. He served as Lodge and chapter advisor for many youths and positions over time and attended many NOAC and section events. In 1996 he was recognized by the scouts with his vigil award and with the name Achgindamen Ches which translates to "Counter of the Pelts".

He also served the National Scouting Organization at several National Jamborees on the Shooting sports, namely Trapshooting.

Besides scouting he also worked with his wife on the Michigan Genealogical Council, Downriver Genealogical Society, and the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan.

In his youth he was part of the Universalist Church in Lansing and Detroit, then became a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Taylor serving as Usher, Trustee, Elder, Lector and Chaperoned several youth Christian Education Programs.

He served as Santa Clause at the Dearborn Woods Presbyterian Church; Attended Wolverines Boy's State in Lansing in 1951 as a Representative of the American Legion Post 271.

During his life he traveled the world visiting over 20 countries while cruising over 72 times on several cruise lines, while becoming a Pinnacle member of Royal Caribbean. And together they visited all 50 states. Many of the states were spent camping in their trailer.

He dedicated his life to service to others, living the values of the Order of the Arrow and Scouting -Brotherhood of Cheerful Service. WWW.

I believe his last thoughts were the scoutmaster benediction. "May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us till we meet again."

We ask that instead of flowers a donation be made to St Paul United Church of Christ in Taylor, Michigan Crossroads Council or even your local Scout troop. And if possible, give of your time to our youth.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 4:00-8:00pm and there will be a Broken Arrow Ceremony held at 7:30pm located at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home Taylor Location 9800 Telegraph Rd, Taylor, MI 48180. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ 24158 Goddard Rd, Taylor, MI 48180 on Friday, December 9, 2022 instate at 10:00am and the service will begin at 11:00am.