Donald E. Miller

Our favorite cowboy, Donald E. Miller, rode off into the sunset, Friday, February 17, 2023, joining his wife in God’s glorious kingdom. He was the husband of 75 years to Evelyn M. (Fishel) Miller, who passed away on May 20, 2018. Donald was born April 7, 1924 in Shrewsbury Twp., a son of the late Ethel Pauline Smith Messersmith, spending most of his younger years on a farm in Springfield Twp.

He retired from Kopper’s Company (now MPSI and formerly Hardinge Company) following 43 years of service. He also operated a welding shop from his home for about 20 years, working on race cars and building and repairing farm equipment among other things. Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II in Ireland and England, ending his time aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Midway, as an original plank owner. He had the opportunity in August of 2018 to visit the ship in San Diego, CA.

Horses were his passion and he enjoyed riding from the time of his childhood. He raised and owned quarter horses and was a member of Our Gang Riding Club, consistently winning the barrel races astride Apache, to the dismay of the other riders! He rode Apache during the 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train and also in 1977 for a re-enactment of the Continental Congress coming to York from Philadelphia, portraying the Rev. John Witherspoon of Delaware. He was a devoted family man, who encouraged and inspired his family, remaining in close contact with his children and grandchildren, until the very end of his life.

Don was a long-time member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shrewsbury, where he served on Church Council, and as an usher. Following retirement, he volunteered his time painting at his church and also gave 12 years of service to the Southern York County Pantry, picking up and delivering food to the needy. He was a lifetime member of the VFW in New Freedom and the Blinded Veterans. Don was also a Master Mason in the Shrewsbury Masonic Lodge.

Don is survived by three daughters; Sherry Smith (James) of Jacobus, Joyce Noone of Chandler, Arizona, and Marsha Kehoe (Kreg) of Jacobus; thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and six close nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his daughter, Donna J. Tracey, and his sister, Joanne Lavis.

Friends may call at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 25 ^th , at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc.,  24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA, 17349. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 am, officiated by Rev. Georgia Markey. Military honors will be rendered. Interment is private. Memorial donations may be offered to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA, 17042.