Donald Lee Miller

At the age of three, his family moved to Fraser, Michigan, where Don attended the Fraser schools, graduating with the Class of 1952.

Don went to work as an iron worker in the construction of the GM Tech Center, and from there to other construction sites around the City of Detroit and outlying areas. As construction work slowed down, he began working in a sheet metal shop, working his way up to supervisor. Don and Edith, his childhood sweetheart married on February 23, 1957, and less than three months later on May 8, 1957, Don was called into military service. He received his military training at Fort Riley Army Base, Kansas, and was then shipped to Germany for fifteen months. Don and Edith have been blessed with two sons, Donald and Richard, along with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Over the years, Don has shared his favorite pastimes of hunting, boating, and fishing with his sons and their children.

In 1966, Don went to work as a supervisor at the Chrysler Group Mack Stamping. In 1988, he was transferred to Sterling Stamping, and retired from management in 1997.

Our Illustrious Brother began his Masonic journey as a member of the Order of DeMolay, and was later raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Roseville Lodge No. 522, F&AM, on March 16, 1968. While serving as Worshipful Master in 1985; he had the distinct opportunity to raise both of his sons that year. He served his Temple Board for 17 years, seven of those years as President.

As a Senior DeMolay, Don spent several years on the Advisory Council of Roseville Chapter, Order of DeMolay, earning the “Hats Off Award” for his dedicated service. He has also been honored by becoming a Master of the Grand Cross of Colors for his service to Roseville Assembly No. 17, International Order for Rainbow for Girls. His other Masonic affiliations include: Roseville Chapter No. 468, Order of the Eastern Star (presently serving as Worthy Patron); Monroe Chapter No. 1, Royal Arch Masons (serving as Most Excellent High Priest in 2008-2009); Monroe Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masons (presently serving as Deputy Master); Detroit York Rite College No. 1 (presently serving as Deputy Governor); and Detroit Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar (serving as Commander in 2007-2008). He was also honored by being appointed to serve as Grand Standard Bearer for the Grand Commandery of Michigan in 2010.

Illustrious Brother Don joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Detroit the Fall of 1970, and served as both Most Wise Master in 1992 and as Commander-in-Chief in 1997. He was coroneted in 33* in 1995 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was honored to receive the MSA in 2002. He is proud to boast that he has had a part in each degree, from 4* to 32*, and still participates in reunions for the Valley of Detroit.

In 1997, along with his good friends Illustrious Raymond L. Lammens, 33*, and Brother Donald W. Kussner, MSA (“The Three Amigos”), organized a golf outing to assist in the startup of the Children’s Learning Center in Detroit, and the “Teddy Bear Classic” has continued to this day. In the passing of Ray Lammens in 2002, the outing was renamed the “Raymond L. Lammens Memorial Teddy Bear Classic.” Over the last fifteen years, this annual event has raised approximately $160,000.

The Valley of Detroit recognizes the continuing dedication and commitment of Illustrious Donald L. Miller, 33*, MSA, and is pleased to name the 354th Reunion in his honor.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 4pm to 8pm with a Masonic Service at 7pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield, Clinton Township, Michigan.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, March 23, 2018 at 10am at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield, Clinton Township, Michigan.

Donations made to Children’s Dyslexia Center of Southeastern Michigan – A Scottish Rite Charity www.cdcmich.org would be appreciated by Don's family.