COLUMBUS
Richard Allan Miller (Dick), 87, of Columbus, completed all the work that God planned in advance for him on Thursday, February 8, 2024. He left for his heavenly tee time at 10:36am, by way of Four Seasons Health and Rehabilitation. The staff at Four Seasons lovingly cared for Dick as he prepared for the greatest of play.
Dick was born on June 28, 1936, in Columbus, the son of Walter and June R. Glick Miller. He was the second born of four children. He attended St. Peters Lutheran School and Columbus High School, graduating in 1954. Dick was a Valparaiso University Crusader, graduating in 1958 with a business degree. He attended college on a basketball scholarship, almost lost due to earning a D in French. His future wife, Susan Biglow, testified that mornings of Dick’s French class, she frequently observed his car, unmoved from his housing parking spot. Dick and Susan, found common ground speaking English, and married in Tonawanda, New York on June 14, 1958.
Dick worked for Hamilton Cosco in Columbus, Indiana during the first years of marriage. Both children, Julie and Allan, were born in Columbus during these years. Dick and his family were relocated to Gallatin, Tennessee with Cosco. After two years, the Millers returned to Columbus and Dick began a career in plastics manufacturing. Alongside trusted partners, a successful injection molding business was quietly built. In 2016, Dick retired from manufacturing entrepreneurship.
Dick always had extras underway. He built a cabin at Lutheran Lake in the 1970’s, personally doing most of the work. The family spent very happy summers there. In 1976, Dick opened Miller’s Ice Cream House in Nashville, Indiana out of his love for ice cream and a desire to have a place for his children to be a part of his work ethic. Lessons of integrity, dependability, loyalty, commitment and patience were taught. The earthly and eternal security of his family remained a priority for all his days and he was a man of honor and generosity.
Dick was a lifelong, active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves. He volunteered in his community. Dick loved playing golf with his friends, travelling with Susan and spending time on Sanibel Island with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Susan K. Miller of Columbus; children, Julie (Steve) Meredith of Columbus and Allan (Kim) Miller of Columbus; grandchildren, Rachael (Ben) Eckert of Columbus and Mitchell (Elizabeth) Miller of Whitestown; great granddaughter, Adeline Jo Eckert; brother, Frank Miller; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and John Sawin and sister-in-law, Carolyn Schneck Miller.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norman Miller and sister-in-law, Judy Woddell Miller.
In memory of Dick, memorial contributions may be given through the funeral home to the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Foundation or St. Peter’s Lutheran School.
A private family service will be held and entombment will be at Garland Brook Mausoleum.
Services have been entrusted to Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Miller family at barkesweaverglick.com.
