Donald Wayne Miller

Donald Wayne Miller, 86, passed away peacefully in the home that he built and decorated over 56 years ago on Wednesday, February 01, 2012. A memorial service will be held 12:00 noon Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Don was born on September 4, 1925 in Bern, Kansas and spent his childhood in Seneca, Kansas and his adulthood in Topeka, Kansas. Even though Don was a professional and knowledgeable salesman of both paint and hardware (Pittsburgh Plate Glass, Whelans, JC Penneys) and a skilled craftsman. Don learned his trade from his father as a young boy and loved painting and papering. He did this after work and on weekends for decades, and eventually went in business for himself, a decision he never regretted. Don had painted or hung wallpaper in hundreds of the finest houses in Topeka and Seneca including the Ward-Meade House and the Governor's Mansion. Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alvina E. Miller, and his two children, Donald W. Miller, Jr. (Luba) of Shawnee and Marilyn A. Gaffney (Darrel) of Keller, Texas, and five grandchildren, Will, Ben, and Anne Miller, and Scott and Darin Gaffney. Don was the youngest and last living child of William Dixon Miller and Anna (Schober) Miller both of Bern, Kansas. Preceded in death was his best friend and twin brother Dale, as well two other brothers, Zeno and Sherman Miller, and five sisters, Ola Peacock, Vera Miner, Erma Gwyn, Farol Jack, and Fayetta Long. Don?s family would especially like to thank everyone at Midland Hospice Care for their excellent and compassionate care to Don and his family. Memorial contributions in Donald?s memory may be made to Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.