Robert D. Miller, 84, Garnett, Kansas, formerly of San Bernadino, California, died Sunday, September 6, 2015 at Richmond Healthcare & Rehab in Richmond, Kansas. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 11 at the First Baptist Church of Archie, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to an animal charity.

Robert was born in Hill City, Kansas on July 3, 1931 to Joseph and Bernice (Smith) Miller. A member of Brokaw's "Greatest Generation", he lived for the first years of his life in various areas of the Midwest as his family "followed work". Employment was scarce and his father once again moved the family, this time to the Territory of Hawaii. It was May of 1941. Robert related the events of December 7 through the eyes of a ten year old boy. He told stories of digging trenches at recess and riding with MP's on blackout patrols.

After Pearl Harbor, Robert's family moved to California, where he spent the majority of his adult life. He worked as an appliance repairman for Sears, Roebuck and Co. for over twenty years and also had his own repair shop. He had three boys whom he loved dearly, Layne, Mark and Craig.

Robert's greatest passion in life was automobiles, most notably his Buicks, Caddies, and Chevy trucks. His love of the engine extended to motorcycles as well and he could often be found in his garage fiddling with their parts. He wasn't happy until his motors were "running like gangbusters". Once when petting a cat he remarked, "Listen! Hear that purr? That's a fine machine right there, a FINE machine."

In addition to automobiles, Robert loved animals and company. He loved his dogs and cats like nobody's business, and his home was always open to anyone who wanted to visit. He enjoyed cruising in his cars, dancing, and good jokes, and could be counted on to liven up any get together.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, his sister, S. Jacquelyn Lopez-Wills, and a grandson, Corey Rodriguez. He is survived by his three sons, Layne Miller of Grant's Pass, Oregon, Mark Miller (Thelma) of Rancho Cordova, California, and Craig Miller (Lorena) of Suisun City, California; 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

His great nieces, Christine Engelken of Adrian, Missouri, and Jeannette Lopez of Ottawa, Kansas are also thankful for the opportunity to know him as another grandparent, and to benefit from his love and wisdom. "Nobody and I mean NO-BOD-Y" loved him and will miss him like his sons and extended family.