DON MILLER

LAMAR-Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Daniel Funeral Home for Don R. Miller, 79, Lamar, who died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family. Cliff Hazard and Pastor Robb Hodson officiated. Burial was in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus or a charity of the donor's choice, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Miller, of the home; four children, Pam Judd and husband Joe, Peg Jeffries and husband Bill, Chip Miller and wife Jerri and Brian Miller and wife Cassie, all of Lamar; a brother, Gerry Miller and wife Brenda, Lamar; two sisters, Dorothy Parks and husband Dwight and Vicki Miller, Sarcoxie; an aunt, Zelma Hooper, Lamar; nine grandchildren, Crissy Knox, Jared Jeffries, Justin Jeffries, Jenny Reaves, Tara McConnaughey, Karli Buzzard, Kaleb Miller, Chase Miller and Cabree Miller; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Miller was born Aug. 17, 1935, at Lamar, to Roy and Mary (Hooper) Miller and was a lifelong Barton County resident. Empowered by common sense, a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude, he met and conquered challenges in his working career and personal life as a leader. As a general contractor he could build a quality barn, garage or family home from the ground up. He was a trucker, instrumental in moving O'Sullivan Industries from Sullivan to Lamar, as well as working for them as a plant foreman. He was involved in the creation of Stockton Lake and worked tirelessly to provide rural water to Barton County. He was a natural auto mechanic whose shop was always open to family and friends. In addition to outside employment, he also farmed and raised livestock.

He especially enjoyed horses and had served as president of the Lamar Saddle Club, announced rodeos and was point rider for the Bicentennial Wagon Train. While rearing his family he had been a T-ball and baseball coach and took up golf in order to spend time with his boys. He was a member of Milford Christian Church and enjoyed the fellowship of his morning coffee group.

He married Jane Miller, his forever dance partner and love of his life, on Feb. 4, 1956, at Carthage.