Don Miller

Don was born August 17, 1935 at Lamar to Roy and Marry (Hooper) Miller and was a life-long 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, Don 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, Missouri 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.  Don 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.  Don 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 raising 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.       On February 4, 1956, at Carthage, Don married his forever dance partner and love of his life, Jane Miller, and she survives of the home.  Also surviving are their four children, Pam (Joe) Judd, Peg (Bill) Jeffries, Chip (Jerri) Miller, and Brian (Cassie) Miller, all of Lamar; a brother, Gerry (Brenda) Miller, Lamar; two sisters, Dorothy (Dwight) Parks, Lamar, 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; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.       Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16th at Daniel Funeral Home with Cliff Hazard and Pastor Robb Hodson officiating.  Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery.       Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus or charity of the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.