+675 | i. | Richard Lester MILLER was born on 15 September 1944. He died on 21 September 2017 at the age of 73 in Emmett, Gem County, Idaho. Richard L. Miller passed away peacefully at his home in Emmett on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 after a 6-month battle with cancer. Dick, as he was known to his family and friends, just recently celebrated his 73rd birthday on Sept. 15th. In 1944, Dick was born in Emmett to Raymond and Janie Miller. He attended Wardwell then Letha elementary schools followed by Park View Junior high before graduating from Emmett High School in 1962. Dick briefly attended classes at Boise Junior College before deciding to commit to a lifelong employment with Albertsons.
At age 13, he held a paper route and two years later he started with Albertsons which allowed him to purchase his first car, a 1953 Chevy Bel Air two door. Dick held many positions with Albertsons to include box boy, cashier, sales, receiving and general manager in the Non-Food department. It was at the Emmett store location that he flirted with what was to be his future wife, Delores Ann Welch. On September 5, 1966, Dick and Dee were married after a short courtship.
In February 1966, Dick enlisted in the Army National Guard. For more than seven years, Dick served in the guard on the weekends while working six days a week at the grocery store. After his father Ray passed in 1988, Dick made it his mission to tend to the graves of all those who served their country. He spent long hours at the Emmett cemetery every Memorial and Veteran’s Day trimming gravestones and providing new flags. His patriotism was undeniable.
Throughout the years, Dick’s employment with Albertsons required many relocations for his wife and young daughters. However, every move meant new friends and more connections. He had an uncanny ability to recall historical facts and names and always had a story about every person he met and every place he traveled. After “retirement” in 2007, Dick and Dee enjoyed many trips to the Oregon coast and Nevada while visiting friends and family along the way. They cherished 51 years of marriage.
Dick is survived by his wife, Delores; brother, Mike (Bonnie) Miller and his three daughters, Dawn (Mitch) Pearce, DarNell (David) Haskell, Danene (Jesse) Youngblood. He also has ten grandchildren: Camron, Rachel, Amre, Addi (Clay), Isaiah, Janie, Jayden, Justin, Taylor and Kaylee. His mother preceded him in death by only 12 weeks.
Funeral services to honor Dick will be held Thursday, Sept 28, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett with a brief graveside service to follow. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 26th from 5 to 8 p.m. also at the Potter Funeral Chapel. Friends and family are encouraged to attend a celebration of Dick’s life at Willow Grove Events 4131 W. Central Rd. in Emmett immediately following services on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Heritage Christian Church, Emmett Historical Society or The American Legion #49. |