David Allen Miller

David Allen Miller, 74 years old. Dave was called home by Jesus on November 8, 2021, following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. On Monday, November 22, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., a Celebration of the Life of David Miller will take place at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, Illinois.

David, born on November 30, 1946, was the fourth of six children born to William and Emily Miller. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and proudly served in Vietnam. He then served in the Marine Corps Reserves and the National Guard until the late 1970s.

He married Debra (Leber) Miller - the love of his life - in August of 1973. They lived in Southern California until 2017, at which time they moved to Maroa, Illinois.

Being a heavy equipment mechanic was the passion of Dave’s working life. He was trained by the Marine Corps and devoted his time and energy to perfecting his skills following his time in the service. He retired from Inland Empire Equipment in 2007 and started his own business - Miller Lift Services - until his full retirement in 2017.

David is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, their daughter, Rebecca (Miller) Contreras and son-in-law, Jake Contreras of North Carolina, and grandson, Charles Sump. Preceding him in death were: his parents, a brother, William Miller, and a daughter, Pamela Miller (from a previous marriage). Surviving relatives include: a son (from a previous marriage), David Miller, II … his sister, Sharron (& Jay) Aguilar of Texas … his sister, Georgia (& Jay) McNay of New Hampshire … his sister, Bonnie (& Dean) Russell of Illinois … his brother, Charles Miller of Wisconsin … and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave’s passions included camping, hunting and fishing, his faith in his Lord, Veterans of Foreign Wars membership, AmVets membership, and American Legion membership. A consummate patriot, he believed in and lived by the code of “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

He will be greatly missed by friends and family.