Donald Miller

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, -- Donald Joseph "D.J." Miller, 68, of Hot Springs Village passed away Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011.

He was born April 10, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, to Weldon C. and Nellie Maye Miller, who predeceased him.

As a young man, Donnie was very active in sports. He played basketball, fast-pitch softball and baseball. He graduated from Illmo-Scott City High School and attended Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau.

He and wife Rosemary were married March 3, 1962, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City.

Donnie and his family moved to Pine Bluff, Ark., in 1968. They attended St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and was instrumental in the marriage encounter program. Donnie was a woodworker and built the podium for the gospel readings at the church.

He was employed by Cotton Belt Railroad. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved to camp and spend time on the lake with family and friends. He helped coach at the Boys Club and also helped in the building of Monroe Ryburn Field in Watson Chapel.

Donnie retired from Southern Pacific Railroad in 1992, and moved to Hot Springs Village in August 1998. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and was an active member of Knights of Columbus, both 3rd and 4th Degree, the Men's Club, and served as eucharist minister at Mass and to the sick. He also served Meals on Wheels. He will be truly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rosemary Miller of Hot Springs Village; children, Donna (Dale) Norton of White Hall, Ark., Christy (Butch) Culbreath of Hot Springs, Joey (Christie) Miller of Bismark, Ark.; six grandchildren, Mandy Norton, Taylor and Grayce Culbreath, and Carly, Tristan and Joseph Miller; five brothers, Robert (Patricia) Miller Sr. of Washington, Mo., Chuck (Peggy) Miller of Kelso, Mo., Maurice (Connie) Miller of Scott City, Jim (Janet) Miller of Sikeston, Mo., Mike Miller of Scott City; a sister, Mary Miller of Chesterfield, Mo.; 21 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 4 to 5 p.m. today at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. The rosary will be at 5.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Arrangements by Caruth Village Funeral Home in Hot Springs Village. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or Knights of Columbus Council 10208 for charities.

Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.