Donald Miller

Donald K “Don” Miller, 87, died Monday January 9, 2023, in Colby, Kansas. He was born July 5, 1935, in Farnam, Nebraska to Marion J and Edna Heath Miller.

Don grew up in rural Nebraska and graduated from Maxwell High School in 1953. As a boy, he spent many hours wading along the creeks of central Nebraska with his older brother Jack. He met Darlene Jensen on a blind date in 1953 and they were married two years later. They shared 66 happy years together raising a family, working, traveling and making treasured friends.

Don was a diligent worker beginning with his first job as a truck driver for Sunglow Dairy. Even though he worked from very early each morning, he was still able to be at the hospital for each of his two sons’ births: Jeff in 1956 and Mark in 1958. Shortly thereafter, Don accepted a position at Nabisco where he worked for 31 years as their sales representative throughout northwest Kansas. Known as “Nabisco” or “Cookie” Miller, Don made countless friends in the region’s grocery stores over the years; he was known for his quick wit and friendly demeanor. After his retirement from Nabisco, Don began driving trucks for various farms in the area. He loved being “on the road” and enjoyed transporting grain around the region and making new friends. His time working for Jon Friesen was especially memorable for him. Whenever he wasn’t driving semi-trucks full of grain, Don motored around the region delivering vehicles for Colby Dodge.

Don’s life was destined to include driving as he also loved traveling and driving while “off the clock.” During retirement, he and Darlene purchased a fifth wheel trailer and large diesel pickup truck to visit sights around the country. Their travels eventually included winters in south Texas and summers in the Colorado mountains. A pet dachshund accompanied them on their journeys, first Missy then Tinkerbelle.

Don moved into Prairie Senior Living Complex in February 2022 and was a beloved resident to the staff. He truly loved his time there and all of those whom he met, staff and resident alike. While his death was sudden and unexpected, he was blessed to be surrounded by those who cared deeply for him when he passed away.

Don was predeceased by his beloved wife Darlene, his parents and his older brother Jack. He is survived by his son Jeffrey Miller and wife Diana; son Mark Miller and wife Darcie; grandchildren, Holly Haines and husband Burk, Aaron Miller and wife Sarah, Nate Miller and wife Nicole, Luke Miller and wife Rachel, and Ellie Gilmore and wife Rebecca as well as his great-grandchildren: Jonathan Miller, Matthew Miller, Brewer Haines, Geneva Haines; and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. They will all miss his quick wit, gentle spirit and ready smile.

There will be no memorial service per his request with a private inurnment at a later date. In lieu of cards and flowers, memorials are suggested to the Citizens Foundation Fund at Citizen’s Health in Colby and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

We are especially grateful to the Staff at Prairie Senior Living Complex for their loving and professional care during his residence there. We are also thankful to Dr Dereck Totten and Jennifer Haag, PA-C for their personal care and concern for him.