Richard Miller

Dick Miller (Papa) passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 13, 2020. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Berniece and Malvern Miller. In the 50’s Dick moved to Ankeny with his family where he met his wife, Shirley, of 61 years and worked in the real estate business.

Dick was a Korean War veteran. He loved his country and always stood for the American flag and the National Anthem with his hand over his heart. He was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion, NRA, Chow Chow Club International, past president of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, and past president of the Iowa Quarter Horse Association. Dick was also one of the cofounders of the Iowa Seven Day Quarter Horse Show Circuit, which ran for over 45 years. When he wasn’t spending time at a horse or dog show, he was rooting on the New York Yankees and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

In the early 60’s Dick, his wife Shirley, and their two daughters, Melody and Candee, showed Quarter horses at AQHA shows all over the U.S. In later years, Dick would say “we went to the dogs” and started showing Chows at AKC shows with their two granddaughters, Marisa and Emily. They competed with their Chows and Havanese winning placements, scholarships, and Best in Shows.

Dick treasured his family and his happiest times were watching his girls competing in horse or dog shows and chauffeuring them all over the U.S. while playing Willie Nelson’s song “On the Road Again.” Dick often said we had the best of both worlds between the horses and the dogs. He spent his time driving his scooter around the shows making friends that would last a lifetime.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley; daughters, Melody (Craig) Justice and Candee Miller; brother, Randy (Carol) Miller; two granddaughters, Marisa and Emily Bradley; in-laws, Rocky (Lynn) Fontana, Susie (Pete) Aunspach, and Judy Fontana; many nephews and nieces, and two companion dogs, Hunter and Marshal. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Malvern Miller; and his sister-in-law, JoAnn Wilson.

Per Dick’s wishes, there are no formal services planned. The family is having a private celebration of life. For those wishing to memorialize Dick, please say, “Thank you for your service” to all military, first responders, police officers, firefighters, and donate to their causes locally.

God Bless them all, God Bless America, and God Bless Papa.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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