David Franklin Miller

 David Franklin Miller, son of the late Donald E. Miller and Marietta Kobold Miller, was born June 26, 1949 in Harlan, Iowa. He attended grade school at St. Michael’s Catholic Church before going on to graduate from Harlan Community Schools in 1967.
The following year he enlisted in the United States Army attending basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington and advanced individual Armor training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served in Armor units at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Fort Hood, Texas.
In the summer of 1969, Command Sargent Major Miller was transferred to South Vietnam where he was an Armor crewman on main battle tanks with the 11th Calvary Regiment. While engaged in hostile action, CSM Miller was wounded and transferred to an army hospital in Japan for a three month recovery. For these injuries he was awarded a Purple Heart.
After leaving active duty, CSM Miller enlisted in the United States Army Reserves serving numerous positions in various units of the 5th Training Brigade of the 89th USARCOM.
After a 25 year career in the United States Army and Army Reserves, Command Sargent Major Miller retired as an E-9 in 1994 receiving the Silver Medal of St. George by the Armor Association of the United States Army in recognition of his army career’s contributions to the field of Armor.
Upon an honorable discharge from the army, David returned to Harlan and enrolled in Iowa Western’s Emergency Medical Technician course held at Myrtue Hospital before eventually becoming a licensed Paramedic. From there he was offered the opportunity to run an offsite ambulance service which he developed into Medivac paramedic ambulance/rescue serving Shelby County and surrounding towns.
This undertaking sparked a lifetime of entrepreneurial pursuits including additional ambulance services and the Harlan Flower Shop of which he designed and oversaw the construction of the current building. After three decades, David sold Medivac and fully retired from business ownership.
A strong interest in city government led to his decision to run for City Council where he served for 20 years before stepping down. In this position, David was a visionary, a straight shooter in his opinions and a staunch champion of the taxpayer.
On October 16, 1976 David Miller and Donita Jones were wed at The United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa.
David peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 5, 2023 at 10:40am at Myrtue Medical with Donita at his side. He was courageous, strong and brave as he faced cancer of the bone marrow.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Marietta Miller, brother, Mike Miller, sister-in-law, Debbie Miller, father-in-law, Guy Stanley Jones, brothers-in-law, Brian and Bruce Jones, and sister-in-law, Karen Harris.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Donita Miller, his mother-in-law, Gertrude Jones, his uncle, Mike (Shirley) Kobold, niece, Laura Miller (Peter Szefler), niece, Dr. Cresta Jones (Stella, Josephine, Bridget, and Audrey Crump), nephew, Nathan (Janet) Jones (Kira, Sydney, and Brian Jones), cousins and many friends and acquaintances.
Dave was an avid reader and had interests in world events and in all sources of news. He enjoyed his home and acreage with the creek and many trees. He was kind to and observant of wildlife of all species. He fed the birds and squirrels each and every day and several furry friends shared their home and his lap. He will be missed and forever remembered for his generous contributions to the community of Harlan.
An 11:00A.M. funeral service was officiated by Rev. Steve McElroy on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa.  Iowa Army National Guard Honor Guard served as casket bearers.  Interment was held at Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.