Donald Joseph "D.J." Miller

Donald Joseph "D.J." Miller, 68, of Hot Springs Village, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2011. He was born April 10, 1942 in Cape Girardeau, Mo., to Weldon C. and Nellie Maye Miller, who predeceased him. As a young man, Donnie was very active in sports. He played basketball, fast pitch softball and baseball. He graduated from Illmo-Scott City High School and attended Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He and his wife, Rosemary were married March 3, 1962 in Scott City, Mo., at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 1968, Donnie and his family moved to Pine Bluff, Ark., and they attended St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and was instrumental in the marriage encounter program. Donnie was a woodworker, who built the podium for the gospel readings at the church. He was employed by Cotton Belt Railroad. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, who loved to camp and spend time on the lake with family and friends. He helped coach at the Boys Club and also helped in the building of Monroe Ryburn Field in Watson Chapel. Donnie retired from Southern Pacific Railroad in 1992 and moved to Hot Springs Village in August of 1998. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, both 3rd and 4th Degree, the Men's Club and served as Eucharist Minister, both at Mass and to the sick. He also served Meals on Wheels. He will be truly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rosemary Miller of Hot Springs Village; children: Donna (Dale) Norton of White Hall, Ark., Christy (Butch) Culbreath of Hot Springs and Joey (Christie) Miller of Bismark, Ark.; six grandchildren: Mandy Norton, Taylor and Grayce Culbreath, and Carly, Tristan and Joseph Miller; five brothers, Robert (Patricia) Miller Sr. of Washington, Mo., Chuck Miller (Peggy) of Kelso, Mo., Maurice (Connie) Miller of Scott, Mo., Jim (Janet) Miller of Sikeston, Mo., Mike Miller of Scott City, Mo. and sister, Mary Miller of Chesterfield, Mo.; 21 nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 4-5 p.m., Tuesday with Rosary at 5 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Knights of Columbus Council 10208 for charities. Arrangements by Caruth Village Funeral Home. Guests may register at http://www.caruth-hale.com.