Obituary: Miller, Donivan Joe
Don went to his Lord and Savior peacefully on February 7, 2014, surrounded by his family at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington.
Don lived in Spokane the last 2-1/2 years; he previously resided in Harrington, WA, for 53 years.
Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Verda (Manes), three sons, Dennis (Mary) of Chewelah, WA, Jay Dee (Annette) of Deer Park, WA, Daren (Sonya) of Spokane, WA, and one daughter, Vicki (Bill) of Lynnwood, WA, ten grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Don graduated from Jenkins High School in Chewelah, WA, in 1942.
He was drafted into the army infantry in 1944, and following basic training in Camp Hood, Texas, he fought in the European theater during World War II in Company G 232 Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Rainbow Division as a Tech 4 Sergeant.
He received the Bronze Star, Valor Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Victory Medal, European/African/Middle Eastern Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
Following his years in the service, Don married Verda on September 4, 1946, and they made their first home in Addy, WA, on a dairy ranch, then Idaho for nine years before moving to Harrington, WA, in 1959 where he was Transportation Supervisor for the Harrington School District until retiring in 1987.
He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Harrington helping out wherever needed and an active volunteer with the Harrington Food Bank.
Don served on the board of the Area Agency on Aging Council for 12 years where he attended monthly meetings in Wenatchee and was the representative for Senior Meals in Harrington.
He received the Bill Graedel Community Service Award when he retired from the Board in 2009.
Don was a true handyman, always ready and willing to help family and friends with any issue, whether it was mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gardening, or woodworking.
Don enjoyed spending time outdoors in his garden and orchard, and going hunting and fishing.
Military Honor Guard graveside inurnment at the Harrington Hillcrest Cemetery will be Saturday, March 15th, at 11:30am preceding the Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held at the Church of the Nazarene, Harrington, WA, at 12:30pm with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to Inland NW Honor Flight, 608 W. 2nd Ave., Suite 309, Spokane, WA, 99201. Credit Card donations can be made through the NW Honor Flight website at www.INWHonorFlight.org.