Donald Dale Miller

Donald Dale Miller, 73, of Hickory, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2009, in his residence, as a result of acute myeloid leukemia. He was born at home in Hickory on December 3, 1935, a son of the late David Freeman and Roberta Jane Malone Miller. Following graduation from Hickory High School in 1953, Mr. Miller traveled to Greenwich, Ohio, to become an apprentice welder. He was still employed as a welder until June 2008, when his illness prevented him from working. His most recent employer was Sabina Manufacturing in Lawrence. Mr. Miller proudly served in the United Sates Army from December 1958 through December 1960. He was recalled to active duty in September 1961, served through August 1962, and was discharged with a rank of Specialist, 5th Class. He married Shirlene Holmes and became the proud father of Donald D. Miller II on April 1, 1966. Donald II presently lives with his wife Janice in Cross Creek. On October 12, 1985, he married Barbara R. Meyer, who was originally from Hamilton, Ohio. They were married for 23 years. With his wife, Mr. Miller lovingly and devotedly raised Helena Ryan (Nathaniel) Cleric, Liam Edward (Laura) Ryan and Louis Meyer (Karen) Ryan, all of whom live in the surrounding area. Mr. Miller received great joy from his five grandchildren, Valerie Miller, Cody Rankin, Louis Ryan, Lillian Cleric and Nathalie Cleric. He was preceded in death by a brother, David Audley Miller. Mr. Miller loved his Masonic Lodge and fellow brethren. His Masonic affiliations included membership in Richard Vaux Lodge 454 in Burgettstown, where he served as Master in 1984 and as the lodge secretary for the past 25 years; the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Pittsburgh, where he was Most Wise Master of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Rose Croix from 1993-1994; Washington Council #1 of the Royal and Select Masons; and Jacque DeMolay Commandery #3, Knights Templar. Mr. Miller was coroneted a 33rd degree Mason on August 30, 2005. He was a member of American Legion Post 793 in Cecil. Mr. Miller was a quiet man who enjoyed nature and loved living in his hometown of Hickory. He had a deep and abiding faith and was a life-long member of the Hickory United Presbyterian Church. Friends will be received 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of service, Friday, January 30th, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Douglas Reinard officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory. Richard Vaux Lodge 454 will hold Masonic services at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Hospital Hospice, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington PA 15301; or to Hickory United Presbyterian Church Choir, 210 Main Street, Hickory PA 15340.