Donald Leroy Miller

Donald Leroy Miller, Sr. 95 (aka) Don, Leroy, Uncle Lee, Miller, Mr. Miller, Sonny, Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Great Papa, Great Grandpa, and Pa died peacefully on July 13, 2026 after an incredible life of hunting, fishing, farming, building, fixing, caring, and loving.

He was born along with his twin sister Loraine to Homer and Hazel Marie(Davis) Miller on November 13, 1930 by a midwife in Zion, IL. He grew up on a farm off of Camp Logan Road where he helped with farming and caring for all his animals. He attended Winthrop Harbor and Zion schools. He met the love of his life at Zion-Benton High School, but then went off to the army to train for the Korean War. He served from 1951-1953 in the 140th Army Tank Battalion as a Chief Trac Section Leader and finished as a Sergeant. Donald Leroy married Betty (Leech) on April 27, 1957 in Zion, IL. They were married for 68 years until her passing in 2025. Don ran his own lawnmower shop and was a Cub Cadet dealer in his early working career. Then he worked for many years for Hoover Water Well. 

Don put his faith in Jesus as a young man, was a member of Christian Catholic Church (now known as Christ Community Church) and was also baptized there. He served as an usher at services at CCC for many years. Don and Betty became parents when Chip was born followed by Beth. Family vacations to Florida and Door County, WI were highlights. In Door County he built the family cabin with help from other Zion friends. 

Donald Leroy is survived by son Chip(Amanda) Miller, daughter Beth(Steve) Wild, Grandchildren; Tegan(Kailyn) Wild, Avery(Macey) Miller, Morgan Miller, Camden(Rachel) Wild, Cade(Emma) Miller, Cooper(Rachel) Wild, Molly Claire Miller; Great Grandchildren Hazel, Leroy, Wynsor, Palmer, Truitt Wild, Hallie and Lainey Miller, Millie Wild, Shepherd Wild, and Baby Girl Miller coming in December of 2026.

Donald Leroy is preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents Homer and Hazel Marie Miller, his in-laws James and Lola Leech, his twin sister Loraine McManaman, and his brother Richard Miller. 

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a celebration of his life to follow on Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m., at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr, Zion, IL 60099.

 Memorial donations can be made in Donald Leroy's name to Camp Zion in care of Christ Community Church.