Obituary of Donnie Miller

Donald Lee Miller was born on November 30, 1926 to Bessie and Elmer Miller, in Dodge City, KS. He was the 2nd of 3 children. His sister, Reeva Miller, was 10 years old at the time of his birth, and Loris Miller, his brother, followed two and half years later. “Donnie” was a very handsome child and extremely precocious, plus he did not like to mind his sister very much. As a result, she tied him to a tree one day when he was about 3 years old and the ants had a hay day! The boys grew up during the depression riding horses with their Uncle Henry, and helping their dad and grandfather do the farming. Donnie was raised in Minneola, KS and he went to all 12 years of school there. He lettered in sports and loved football, and participated in music. Most people probably don’t know that Donnie was an accomplished musician. He played the clarinet, which was a popular instrument in those days of the Big Bands. He was known for his version of “Flight of the Bumble Bee.” After high school, he went to the military. World War II was in its final stages and he spent his time in the Army as an MP, taking prisoners from New York to Texas. After the military, he decided to attend college at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Although, the studying became tedious and too much to do after a semester or two, his time at KSU included the fortunate meeting of Faye Bennett. By that time, however, Donnie’s dad had moved the family out to Colorado and purchased land near Limon. After going back and forth to KSU for dances and fun with Faye and friends, Donnie told Faye that she had to set a date. They met in October of 1950 and were married October 14, 1951. A small wedding followed at a chapel in Manhattan on the KSU campus. The newly married couple moved to Wichita for a few months and worked at Cessna until it was time to farm. Donnie and Faye moved to Limon and lived with Donnie’s brother, Loris and his wife Ethelmae while they built their house at 41824 State Rd. 71, south of Limon. Donnie, along with a few family member s and carpenter friends from Minneola built the house. Donnie and Loris were in business together for over 30 years. Together, they grew their holdings and garnered a reputation for being good businessmen. In 1953, Donnie and Faye welcomed their first child, Terri Ann, into the new house. Fourteen months later, Shara Lyn followed. In the early 60’s, Donnie insisted that the farming operation branch out into the cattle business. His dad objected, saying that it was too risky and the family should stick to what they knew – farming. Donnie’s idea won out and, fortunately, the cattle business was a big success for the Miller Brothers. Fifty years of ranching and farming followed, even though the brothers decided to split up the business in 1984. In the late nineties, Donnie decided to go into semi-retirement and Chris Monks, who wanted to try his hand at farming, became his “protégé.” The partnership between Chris and Donnie was another big success for both. Donnie and Faye spent many years traveling with their friends. Among cruises, trips to Europe and tropical destinations, Donnie’s favorite was always Las Vegas. Really, any good gambling spot that had crap tables was what he enjoyed the most. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the local Masonic Lodge, he was a member of the El Jebel Temple, and he was the Worthy Patron in Eastern Star. His only grandchild, Donnelly Faye Diggins, was born in 1998. She was named after her grandfather, Donald Lee. Knowing that he would have heart bypass surgery in 1997, he prayed that he would live to see her after she was born. He thought it was incredible that he was able to see her grow into a teenager about to enter high school. Donnie lived a full and complete life, the way he wanted to live it. He left this Earth and went to be with loved ones that had gone before him in the morning of May 24, 2012, at the home he built on Highway 71, in Limon, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, both of his siblings, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and all of his aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Faye, his daughters, Terri and Shara, his son-in-law Zeke Griffith, and his granddaughter, Donnelly Diggins, as well as many nieces and nephews. His friends have called him “larger than life” and “the Man.” He was loved by his family and he will be missed by all.