Donald L. "Deke" Miller Obituary (1925 - 2008)

Donald L. "Deke" Miller Eaton Rapids Age 83, died Sunday, November 20, 2008 at a Lansing hospital. Born August 24, 1925 in Lansing, the son of Frank and Ruth (Thomas) Miller. Deke was an Eaton Rapids High School graduate, class of 1943. He served in the Air Force as a Navigator during WW II. He married the love of his life Phyllis Charlefour on February 25, 1946 and where only separated by her death in 1994. Deke started work at the age of 13 at Foote & Custer Gas Station and retired as Owner and Partner after 33 years of service. Although he never learned to swim himself Deke received honors for rescuing fishermen whom had fallen in and were unable to get out of the turbulent water at the State Street Damn. To the school kids Deke was best known as the candy man, behind one of the best candy counters in Eaton Rapids. After his retirement he worked for 5 years for Smith's Upholstery in Eaton Rapids and later spent 14 years in Inventory Control for Eaton Technologies in Eaton Rapids. Preceding him in death was his wife, Phyllis; sister, Mildred VanHerweg; Close friends, Alice Snow and Shirley Stevens, and Kathy Foote. Surviving are a brother, Robert (Beulah) Miller of Jackson; brother-in-law, Richard Charlefour of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews; close friends, Gayle Foote, Nathan (Peggy) Foote, Eddie (Pam) Foote, Keith (Rose) Cantine and Richard (Judy) Smith. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 4th at 11:00 A.M. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with burial following at the Rosehill Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Community Hospice at 2675 S. Cochran Rd. Charlotte, MI. 48813 in memory of Donald L. Miller. ?For on-line condolences go to www.skinnerfuneralhome.com ?