Donald K. "Don" Miller

1935 - 2023

Donald K. "Don" Miller, 87, died on Jan. 9, 2023, in Colby, Kansas. He was born on July 5, 1935, in Farnam, to Marion J. and Edna Heath Miller. Don grew up in rural Nebraska and graduated from Maxwell High School in 1953. As a boy, he spent many hours wading along the creeks of central Nebraska with his older brother Jack. He met Darlene Jensen on a blind date in 1953 and they were married two years later. They shared 66 happy years raising a family, working, traveling and making treasured friends. Don was a diligent worker, beginning with his first job as a truck driver for Sunglow Dairy. Even though he worked from very early each morning, he was still able to be at the hospital for each of his two sons' births: Jeff in 1956 and Mark in 1958. Shortly thereafter, Don accepted a position at Nabisco where he worked for 31 years as their sales representative throughout northwest Kansas. Known as "Nabisco" or "Cookie" Miller, Don made countless friends in the region's grocery stores over the years; he was known for his quick wit and friendly demeanor. After he retired from Nabisco, Don began driving trucks for various farms in the area. He loved being "on the road" and enjoyed transporting grain around the region and making new friends. His time working for Jon Friesen was especially memorable for him. Whenever he wasn't driving semi-trucks full of grain, Don motored around the region delivering vehicles for Colby Dodge. Don's life was destined to include driving as he also loved traveling and driving while "off the clock." During retirement, he and Darlene purchased a fifth-wheel trailer and a large diesel pickup truck to visit sights around the country. Their travels eventually included winters in south Texas and summers in the Colorado mountains. A pet dachshund accompanied them on their journeys, first Missy then Tinkerbelle. Don moved into Prairie Senior Living Complex in February 2022 and was a beloved resident to the staff. He truly loved his time there and all of those whom he met, staff and residents alike. While his death was sudden and unexpected, he was blessed to be surrounded by those who cared deeply for him when he passed away. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene; his parents; and his older brother, Jack. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Diana) Miller and Mark (Darcie) Miller; grandchildren, Holly (Burk) Haines, Aaron (Sarah) Miller, Nate (Nicole) Miller, Luke (Rachel) Miller and Ellie (Rebecca) Gilmore; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Miller, Matthew Miller, Brewer Haines and Geneva Haines; and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. They will all miss his quick wit, gentle spirit and ready smile. In lieu of cards and flowers, memorials are suggested to the Citizens Foundation Fund at Citizen's Health in Colby and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences may be shared at baalmannmortuary.com. There is no memorial service per his request with a private inurnment at a later date. Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, is in charge of arrangements.