Donald "Don" David Miller

Donald David “Don” Miller, age 85 of Rossville, passed away on July 25, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1938 in Topeka, KS, the son of John C and Violet Miller. Don attended Willard Grade School and graduated from Rossville High School in 1956. After spending one year at K-State, he was called to join his father to run the family farm. 

Don married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Miller on March 1, 1958. Don and Betty enjoyed 60 years of marriage, before Betty’s passing in 2018. Their marriage weathered the ups and downs of building the family farm and raising their 6 children.

Don’s dedication to the family farm was tremendous. His extraordinary work ethic and countless hours in the field/tractor/barn built the farm to where it could support 4 families - a rare feat for a family farm. Don was proud to pass his knowledge to his sons, David and Daniel, when they joined the farm after they graduated from college. Don also saw the unique skill sets that his sons could bring to the farm that would enhance the operation. He loved driving by fields that David had planted and commenting on how straight the rows were and reaping the benefits of David’s mechanical skills that could fix anything that was broken. He enjoyed watching Daniel successfully build out the feedlot feeding program that has multiplied its earnings many times over.

His children fondly remember spending time with Don on the farm - fixing fence, feeding cattle, working on 4-H projects, and other chores. Maybe not as fondly, they remember how ornery he could be. He loved to laugh, kid, tease and play practical jokes on his family and friends. He always had spearmint gum in his pocket and a joke or story to tell. In the small amount of time he wasn’t working, Don loved to join Betty in attending Rossville sporting events, even if they had no children or grandchildren to cheer on. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Miller and a son, David Miller.

He is survived by his 4 daughters - LuAnn Baumchen and husband Paul (Lawrence), Diana Iseman and husband Jim (Burlington), Suzanne Tull and husband Ronnie (Willard) , Sarah Meinershagen and husband Kevan (Lawrence); 1 son – Daniel Miller and wife Jennifer (Willard); a daughter-in-law – Noel Miller (Dover); as well as 14 Grandchildren and 7 (almost 8!) great-grandchildren. 

Don wished for a private burial next to his wife Betty at the family farm. A private graveside service was held for immediate family on Saturday, July 27. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in his name to the Piper Funeral Home. All donations will be added to the “Don & Betty Miller Athletic Scholarship Fund”.