Don Miller

Don Harvey Miller, 77 years old, Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away at his home, May 28, 2024, after a long illness. Don was always up for a fun time, a real people person, he loved to tell stories of his wild side and believe me he had a lot of stories to share.  Don was a brilliant man, a gentleman, and kind, a man of great faith and we enjoyed talking about our faith often.  Don was a wonderful Husband, Father, Uncle, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and a loyal friend to his lifelong friends who always kept in touch to the end.  Don felt most comfortable at his home with Nancy, Baby Jane and our blended families. 

Don had many health issues over the years and was able to overcome those until April 2020. U of M performed both lifesaving surgeries and saved his life from an aorta dissection, and brain aneurysm in 2020.  This left Don paralyzed from the waist down, but it was not going to get him down. It took many months before we would get him relocated back home, with a wheelchair he could get around from room to room and life improved little by little.  Don was a realistic and positive man, never complained during these health issues.  He just felt this was the hand he was dealt for some reason, so would make the best of it until these past few months.

He looked forward to the kids coming over so they could tell more stories, laugh, debate and it was happy times for him as they share similar interests.  Don was a serious collector of heavy metal music since his teens, etc, and as an adult the collection continued to grow into tapes and cd's. He would spend hours and hours talking with his two best buddy's Delbert and Brian. 

In 1996 Don lost his father Donald, so his Uncle Ralph and Aunt Dee stepped right up and invited us to WI to spend Thanksgiving with them.  We spent 20+ years with them on that Thanksgiving invite!  They are both gone now, and our WI Cousins remain a constant coming to MI to spend time with Don and they are like his sisters, very close family. 

Don was born and raised in Battle Creek, September 17, 1946. Attended Lakeview Schools, graduated with the Class of 1964 from Lakeview High School.  This year the class of 64 will celebrate 60 years together class reunion.  Don furthered his education at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, member of Zeta Beta Tau.  Don received his BBA 1969 and MBA 1971.  He loved being around or talking about his classmates, he was a people person.  Best friend Roger says he was a RASCAL!  Always stayed close with his classmates to present time.  One of his favorite jobs as a young man was to work at the golf course as caddy, later worked his way through college managing Lakeside Inn, Post Cereal and various other part time jobs. Don did like to golf, but his passion was music

After college Don worked in Holland, then Kirsh, Gibson Guitar, where he met many Rock and Roll groups and got to escort them around Kalamazoo while they were visiting Gibson. He worked in Finance at Colonial Engineer, Kalamazoo, San Diego and Florida, in which had the opportunity to travel all over the Country for many years.  Don and Dave Cook partnered up and started their own plastics molding co, Affinity Custom Mold in Mendon, Michigan, of which is thriving to this day.

Don was preceded in death by his Mother Louise and Father Donald Miller, Battle Creek; 2nd parents Aunt Dee and Uncle Ralph Miller, Racine, WI; Granddaughter Charline Morgan Perez, Richland, and Brother-in-law Larry J. Cole, Vicksburg.  

Don is survived by his wife Nancy of 28 years, daughter Paula Purdham, Speece sons Curtis and Beth, Mike and Rebecca, Jeff, Brian and Becky. Grandchildren Tawnee, Ryan Walker, Lindsey, Dan Luyk, Ricky Speece, Hunter, Chris Walters, Eric Speece, Kaylee, Tyler Davis and Lara Speece. Great Grandchildren Kennedi Rainbow, Wilder Cole, Emerson Gerald, Haisley Ann and Haven Carolyn.  WI Cousins, Crystal Gilmore, Starr Cannon, Joceyln and David Standiford and families of Racine, WI.  Niece Laura Arlene and James Miller and Brother Lee Meltsen Miller of Jackson, MI, Sister-in Law Mary M. Cole, Sister-in-Law Gaylynn Willis, several Nieces and Nephews. 

The family of Don H. Miller wish to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Stephen Dallas Opus Internal Medicine for all the years taking care of Don. Thank you to the following medical teams and staff at Bronson, UofM, Upjohn Rehab, MFB, Medilodge, Life Ambulance transport, Comstock Fire Dept for lift assist and Compasses/Hospice in home for your gentle care.

With respect for Don's wishes, he did not want a visitation or funeral service, he wanted to be remembered the way you knew him best. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Don’s guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with his family. 

The Miller family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269)679-5622.