Donald Ray Miller, 87, of Walshville, died on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at his residence in Walshville.
Private family services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. Litchfield Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Miller was born Oct. 18, 1937, in Red Bud, a son of Herman (Edna) Miller and Pauline (Otto) Sheridan. He graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1955. He married Donna Akeman on March 3, 1984, in Litchfield.
After high school, Mr. Miller wanted to join the Navy but was only 17 years old. His parents had to sign off on his enlistment. He was in the Navy during Vietnam and served for a total of 20 years, being discharged at the rank of E-6.
In 2024, Mr. Miller celebrated his 50 years of retirement on Jan. 31, 2024. He was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. He enjoyed fishing and making things out of wood for around the house and also to give as gifts for others. He loved his family and all of his many grandchildren.
Mr. Miller was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sheree Terheide.
Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Donna Elaine Miller of Walshville; sons, Rock Miller of Yuma, AZ and Gene (Lynda) Willett of Brinkley, AR; five granddaughters, Sadie (Roman) Villa of Lemon Grove, CA, Melissa (Mike) Coronado of San Diego, CA, Stephanie (Steve) Pettit of LaMesa, CA, Heidi (Ryan) Grooms of Florissant, MO, and Crystal (Spencer) Woods of San Diego, CA; 14 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Joe (Tina) Miller of Bloomington, Guy (Corrine) Sheridan of Hillsboro, Joel (Janet) Sheridan of Craig, CO, and, Kelly (Joyce) Sheridan of Nashville; four sisters; Jacke (Jim) Myers of Waxahachie, TX, Robin (Dirk Beasley) Sheridan of Tucson, AZ, Boni (Steve) Katz of Powell, WY, and Lori (Jessie) Black of Keller, TX; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or the United Service Organization (USO). Please visit www.litchfieldffs.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory.
