Dennis Carl Miles

Dennis Carl Miles passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at his home in Broken Arrow, OK, at age 75 of an unexpected heart fibrillation.

Dennis was born in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, on February 4, 1946. He gave his life to Jesus at Coudersport Gospel Assembly at age 16 which set the course for his future. After high school, he studied for the ministry at Zion Bible Institute in East Providence, Rhode Island, which prepared him for a lifetime of pastoring, preaching and teaching the Word of God - his passion. It was there that he met the love of his life, Esther Brookes. They were married on June 3, 1967, in Keansburg, New Jersey, and remained joyful partners in all of their endeavors for the next 54 years. He also studied at Elim Bible Institute in Lima, New York, before going into full-time ministry.

In addition to the handful of other jobs he held, he ministered throughout his life, including in the following roles, in chronological order: he pastored in Sunderlinville, PA; served as Assistant Director of Pinecrest Retreat Center, Setauket, Long Island, NY; instructor at Pinecrest Bible Institute, Salisbury Center, NY, and at Faith Haven Bible Institute, Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada; Assistant Pastor at Rock Church, Homestead, FL; founding pastor of Rhema Christian Fellowship, Meadville, PA; Assistant Pastor of Cornerstone Church on the Rock, Tulsa, OK; and most recently, as an elder and teacher for over 30 years at Cornerstone Family Church and at Church 3434, Tulsa, OK.

He made several mission trips early in life and eventually moved with his family to Haiti in 1977. His passion for missions was contagious and his youngest daughter Elizabeth later joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 2001. After retiring from full-time ministry he enjoyed visiting her and other family living overseas and preached in Panama, Mexico, Rep. of Congo, Indonesia, and the Central African Republic over the years.

He was a talented guitarist from a young age, performing at school and church events and appearing on radio and TV. He wrote songs beginning in his teen years and received the compliment in his hometown newspaper that one of his songs "could surely be another 'hit' if the right record company could hear it." His musical talent not only entertained, but was a beautiful addition to his many ministries throughout his life.

His appreciation for the practical wisdom in the Bible led him to create a Bible-based financial stewardship course with text books and computer software which has helped many people become financially healthy and generous givers, especially to support missions work. This was a principle of his own life that he loved sharing with others so they, too, would "build boats" for those called to be "fishers of men." Teaching this course was one of his passions during his retirement years.

In addition, during his retirement he enjoyed serving others in various ways such as volunteering at the community service events organized by Church 3434, teaching with his wife at Flourish Homes, and refurbishing donated items for City Serve.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Esther Ann (Brookes) Miles of Broken Arrow, OK, and daughters Rebecca (David) Marshall of Broken Arrow, OK, Tabitha (Mark) Wells of Fairfax, VA, and Elizabeth (Nate) Marti of Bangui, Central African Republic; and grandchildren Rachel (Jason) Boggs, Kristen (Bryce) Snyder, Marissa Long, Bethany (Jordan) Mabe, Tim Wells, Sam Wells, Anna Wells, Isaac Marti, Miriam Marti, and step-grandsons Reid Marshall and Owen Marshall. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Debra (Pridmore) Miles, widow of his late brother Monty Miles, and his sister-in-law Priscilla Lee (Dennis) (Brookes) Bedgood, his sister-in-law Linda (Ernie) (Brookes) Singer and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by long-time friends Wes and Deborah Huberty, their children and grandchildren, and many other friends.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Gail (Church) Miles, and his siblings, Brenda Sue Miles, who died in infancy, and Monty Miles.

His life was characterized by faithful investment in others as a pastor, teacher, elder, missionary, worship leader and community volunteer. However, his most lasting impact is on those closest to him whom he served with joy as a sacred duty from God: his wife, family, friends and church.

The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to honor Dennis' love for God's Word and the work of those translating it into Bibleless languages. You can send your memorial gift to Wycliffe Bible Translators in the Central African Republic in one of the following ways as convenient for you:
a) Online at www.tinyurl.com/BridgeInCAR
b) By phone: 1-800-WYCLIFFE
c) By mail to:
Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200
If by phone or mail, please give with an enclosed note stating: Dennis Miles Memorial - Preference for 803337 Bridging the Gap in CAR