Dr. Donald David Miller

1938 - 2021

Dr. Donald David Miller was born January 7, 1938, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Claude Earl Miller and Thelma Lee (Sanders) Miller.
Don received his undergraduate degree from Chadron State and a Master's degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Physics, then culminating in his Doctorate at Texas A&M. He developed the Physics program at Panhandle A&M in Oklahoma before moving to Warrensburg to teach at the then Central Missouri State College, now University of Central Missouri. Donald taught Physics at UCM for 41 years. He enjoyed telling people that "Physics is Phun!" He also enjoyed using his summers away from Warrensburg to work on research for various projects, frequently in Houston at NASA. He was also a National Science Foundation grant awardee for developing Physics curriculum for students.
While at the University of Nebraska he married Sharon (Selden) Miller. Together they had four children and a fifth joined the family at age 5.
Don had many different interests. He sang with the Warrensburg Community Chorus and with his church choirs, was the Scoutmaster for Troop 400 and an honorary member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, was a founding member of the Piranhas swim team, and coached youth flag football: both boys AND girls.
The legacy that Don Miller will leave is a deep love of family and God. He was an unabashed champion/cheerleader of his family. He attended every event that his children/grandchildren participated in, from building starting blocks for the swim team to sitting through countless band, orchestra and choir performances and every sporting event they were a part of. Don's love extended to his church family as well. Don's deep faith and reliance on God sustained him and were his greatest comfort.
Donald Miller is survived by Sharon Miller, of the home, Gregory (Monta) Miller, Karl Owens, Valerie (Paul) Kreher, Kimberly (Daryl) Beymer, and Cynthia (Mark) Thomas, all of Warrensburg, Missouri, as well as 24 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. All of whom he affectionately referred to as "the Herd."
Dr. Miller finished the race strong. His life here ended unexpectedly at age 83 at St. Luke's South Medical Center Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from complications of a cardiac event.
A memorial service will be held September 18, 2021, details to be determined. Memorial contributions can be made to Johnson County Christian Academy, Centerview, MO, or Journey Home, Warrensburg.