MILLER, Donnie Lee - b. November 12, 1937 - d. July 22, 2014

[frawin]

Donnie passed away yesterday, the services are Saturday at 1 P.M, at the Southern Baptist Church in Bartlesville. I am sure Karen will have the full Obituary later today. Donnie graduated from Howard High in the class of 1955.

[patyrn]

I am sorry to hear this.  I knew he had been suffering for some time.  That HHS class of 1955 has lost Glenn Vick, Dean Wyant, my sister Irene, and now Donnie Miller, all within a year and all with complications from cancer.  They were a very close-knit group through the years and enjoyed coming to alumni and staying in touch with each other.  Sad news.............

[frawin]

Karen in addition to those you mentioned the class of 55 also lost, Allen Criger, Dexter Stephens, Orvan Preston, Vance Shipman, Delores Van Buskirk Cline and Paul Gray. That class has been hard hit. My class of 58 has lost 7.

[patyrn]

Donnie Lee Miller lost his long battle with cancer the morning of July 22, 2014 at the age of 76.  He was born in Caney, Kansas on November 12, 1937, the son of Elmer F. "Tug" and Caroline O. Miller.

Donnie grew up and received his education in Howard, Kansas and graduated from Howard High School in 1955.  In September of 1955, he joined the United States Navy, taking his basic training in San Diego, California.  On completion of his training, he was a Communications Technician and later attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

On July 15, 1969, Donnie married Donna Jean Daugherty and became father to her daughter, Deborah.  While living in Japan, they had a son, Daniel.  After spending 20 years in the Navy being stationed in various countries around the world and the National Security Agency, he retired in June 1976.  He was always proud of his country and felt that it was an honor to serve.

After his retirement from the Navy, he and his family made their home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma where he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone.  He enjoyed his job and the friends he made there.  He continued working until he retired in March 2000 as an OSP Engineer.

Donnie enjoyed golfing and hunting.  He had lifelong friends from his years growing up in Howard, Kansas.  One special friend was Donald Young with whom he hunted quail until his health problems made it too difficult.  However, they continued to talk on a regular basis and would see each other at their high school reunion every year.  His yearly high school reunion was always something he looked forward to.  Golfing was his passion, and he played often until his health made it too difficult.

Donnie was a true family man.  He loved his family and was always there to support and help wherever needed.  He was our rock, we loved him, and we will always miss him.  He was a member of Bartlesville Southern Baptist Church.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Donna of the home; a son, Daniel Miller of the home; a daughter, Deborah Bennett of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; a granddaughter who was like a daughter to him, Heather Clapper and husband, Marc of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and two sisters, Carroll Sue Rasmusen of Scottsdale, Arizona and Barbara Cole of Benton, Pennsylvania.  He also had two grandsons, Ryan Wickham and wife, Krystal of Ochelata, Oklahoma and Dustin Wickham and fiancee, Jessica of Bartlesville, Oklahoma along with two great-granddaughters, Irelynn and Gracelynn, two step-great-granddaughters, Brooklyn and Alexus; and one step-great-granson, Jerrick.  He is also survived by cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Caroline Miller; his brother, Dale; two brothers-in-law, Chuck Rasmusen and Joel Cole; his grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

Services for Donnie will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Bartlesville Southern Baptist Church, 5111 Nowata Road, Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  Pastor Paul Rummage will officiate.  Burial will follow the service in the Sunnnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in care of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left at www.honoring memories.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home, 710 S. Osage, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74003.

(published in the Examiner-Enterprise - 07/24/2014)