Donald Albert Miller

Donald Albert Miller, age 92, of Westphalia, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Good Vibes Adult Foster Care in Pewamo. The son of John William and Mary Gertrude (Schlicht) Miller, he was born at home on August 1, 1931, in Westphalia Township.

Donald began working for GM’s Fisher Body plant in Lansing in 1949 and remained there until his retirement in 1998. His nearly 50-year tenure was only interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army from 1950-1954. After fighting in Korea, he completed his service at Ft. Hood, TX where he reached the rank of Sergeant First Class. After his service in the Army, he returned home to a farm he had purchased while serving his country.

Donald was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church in Westphalia where he was an usher and in his later years fulfilled a longtime dream of becoming an altar server. He had a variety of interests. In his younger years he played for the Westphalia Baseball team and was a member of the Portland Civic Players. In his Golden years he concentrated on giving back. He was a CCD teacher at St. Mary’s, was active in the Westphalia Historical Society, and volunteered at the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) in Kentucky for twenty years. Donald married Lois Hughes on June 24, 1961.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Julia and Richard; and sister-in-law, Bernice. Surviving is his four children, Terry, Susan (Tom Funke), James, and Thomas (Annie) Miller; five grandchildren, John, Sara, Nathaniel, August, and Calvin; and former wife, Lois Leonard.

A Special thank you to Good Vibes, of Pewamo, his Good Vibes family, and Careline Caregivers for their friendship, kindness, and compassion during the twilight years of his life.

Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N Westphalia St, Westphalia, MI 48894 on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 2-8pm with Rosary at 2:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Westphalia on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:30am with luncheon to follow.

In honor of Donald memorial gifts may be given to: Sister Myra Scholarship Fund, Westphalia Historical Society, or Sisters of Christian Charity.