David Owen Miller
David Owen Miller was born Sept. 5, 1943, to Russell and Esther (Healy) Miller in Kokomo. He passed Nov. 3, 2019, at the St. Vincent Heart Center, Indianapolis.
On June 5, 1965, in Kokomo, he married Charlotte Trueblood.
They had two sons, Doug (Angie) Miller, Akron; and Steve (Shari) Miller, Rochester. They have five grandchildren: Daniel and Madison Miller, Akron; Shelby Miller, Galena, Ill.; Sidney (Josh) Baker, Rochester; and Sammi Miller, Rochester.
Upon graduation from Kokomo High School in 1961, he joined the U.S. Navy (1961-1966). It was his privilege to put two ships in commission. Thus, he was a plank owner of the U.S.S. Okinawa and U.S.S. LaSalle. In 2004, he was a founding member of the U.S.S. LaSalle Association and attended all eight of their reunions.
After military, he returned to Kokomo and began his career in construction, ultimately to become a life-time member of the Carpenter’s Union. In 1972, he established Miller Door Corporation. He installed/serviced overhead garage doors/openers until his retirement in 2005.
Summers were spent on Lake Manitou from 1966. In 1991, David and Charlotte made Rochester their official home. At that time, he became an active member of the Rochester Lions – helping with the ice cream trailer during fairs, assisting with ramp building, and making multiple visits to preschools for Kid Sight Vision Screening.
Mr. Miller had many interests: however, he had three favorite hobbies. First was his long term love of the Indy 500 from 1958. He continually attended the race and managed an entire group of family/friends with ticket orders. Second was his desire to snowmobile. He, again with family/friends, traveled to Michigan many winters. In addition, a Canadian trip was a highlight. Third, he attended as many activities of the grandchildren as possible.
David Miller was a member of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, Rochester Elks, and First Christian Churches of Rochester and Kokomo.
In addition to David’s wife, sons, and grandchildren, he is survived by his Sister Janet (Rick) DeRose, Dallas, Texas; Niece Gina (Jay) Bratcher, Richardson, Texas; Nephew Tony (Joanna) DeRose with sons Russell and Luke, Mesquite, Texas; brother-in-law Everett (Sharyn) Trueblood with their family, Aurora, Colo.; and several cousins.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the First Christian Church, 1101 Madison Street, Rochester, with Rev. Mike VanHeyningen officiating. Friends may visit from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, and one hour prior to service Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rochester Lions, P.O. Box 851, Rochester, IN 46975 or the charity of your choice.