Frank Miller

Frank J. Miller, of Downing, MO, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Monday, April 21, 2008, at the VA Medical Center in Knoxville, IA. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Herb Shafer officiating. A flag presentation will be accorded by the Henry County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the V.F.W. Post 2561 in his memory. Born October 23, 1931, in Wapello, IA, Frank was the son of John W. and Ruth L. Foor Miller. He was raised on a farm on Pegtown Road and graduated from Mediapolis High School. He married Janet Ricks. The couple later divorced. On June 4, 1969, he married LaVonda "Bonnie" Norton in Canton, MO. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2003. Mr. Miller was a member of the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. Following his military service he worked in security at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. He owned and operated a DX gas station in Burlington. Frank also worked in West Burlington as a television repairman for Van's TV and later purchased the business. He delivered milk for Guftason's All Star Dairy. Frank worked for the Des Moines County Highway Department. He also was employed as a custodian with the Mt. Pleasant School District. Frank attended the First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the VFW Post 2561. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping. He also loved blue grass music, raced late model stock cars and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing. He especially enjoyed working with wood. Survivors include one daughter, Kim (Dan) Kelley of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two sons, Tim ( Jill) Miller of Burlington, IA, and Tod (Melissa) Miller of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two step-sons, Don (Diana) Altimus of Mediapolis, IA, and Kevin Altimus of Stearns, KY; two step-daughters, Jeannette Rice and Peggy (Gregg) Crew all of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, ten step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bonnie, a grandson, and a step son-in-law, Kermit Rice.