1949-2024
Paul Homer Miller, 74, son of Homer and Cecelia (Dietrich) Miller, was born June 14, 1949, in Sigourney. He passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, after a short battle with esophageal cancer.
Paul attended schools in rural Kansas and What Cheer. In 1966, Paul began working as a union traveling iron worker for the next 20 years. In 1988, he married Kathryn Brandt in Adel. They made their home in DeSoto for a short time before achieving one of his life’s dreams by buying land worthy of hunting and fishing south of Panora, where they have been ever since. Paul then worked for Ironworkers Local 67, Des Moines on many notable projects, including 801 Grand in Des Moines and Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, commuting daily from Panora until his retirement in 2009.
Paul enjoyed outdoor recreation immensely including both bow and shotgun hunting for deer, turkey hunting, fishing in any form whether river, lake, pond, or ocean, camping and in later years gardening. Paul was always willing to share his knowledge of the outdoors with any family kids.
A primary philosophy of Paul’s was to work smarter, not harder, and while he saw evidence of the opposite everywhere, he was always willing to teach and let people learn in their own way. A quiet giant to his family, he was well-versed in colorful language, a vibrant personality and set in his ways. He would always helped Kathy in her projects in any way he could.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Miller of Panora; step-daughter, Ann (Paul) Stough of West Des Moines; step-son, James Riceman; grandchildren, Andy (Sara) Thomas and Ali (Alex) Ernst; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Paul Goodson and Lenyx Ernst; sisters, Clare Miller of West Des Moines and Barbara (Raymond) Oleson of Waukee; brothers, Jim (Cheri) Miller of West Des Moines; Randy Miller of West Des Moines; Pat (Betty) Miller of Winterset; and Mark Miller of West Des Moines; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Elaine Gillaspey and Kathy Day; and his wonderful dog, Sam.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.