Image

Robert “Bob” Croft Miller was born September 30, 1927, to Jess and Trix Miller. He was born at Prowers Medical Center in Lamar, then returned home with his parents to Bristol. His life was nearly cut short when, at the age of 3, he suffered a ruptured appendix that almost took his life. 

In 1935 Bob and his parents moved to Eads, where Bob attended school. He was a good student and very athletic and excelled in sports.  

After graduating from high school in 1945, he continued his education at Colorado University in Boulder. He only attended one year, as having narrowly missed being drafted into World War II, his name was at the top of the draft list when the Korean War broke out. Instead of waiting for his name to be called in the draft, he enlisted in the Army. 

After attending boot camp in San Diego, California, Bob returned home on furlough to marry his love, Donna Jean Barlow. They eloped to Raton, New Mexico, with both sets of parents and friends, Ray and Lucille Crow and Dean and Madonna Osolin, in tow. They were married February 13, 1951. Bob then returned to the military and served his country in the Korean War.

When Bob returned from the war, he and Donna started their family. First to arrive in December of 1952 were twins Marlin “Marty” and Marilyn. Two years, later Michael “Mike” was born. Their family was complete when they welcomed their fourth child, son Frank, arrived three and one-half years later. 

Shortly after returning home from the military, Bob took over the family business, “Miller Hardware,” which had been built and run by his father. That building still stands, and is the current Kiowa Drug Pharmacy in Eads. 

About that same time, Bob’s uncle retired from his insurance and real estate business and turned it over to Bob as well. He ran both businesses until he sold the hardware store to Don and Esther McCoin in the mid 1970s. He continued to run the insurance and real estate until he sold it to his daughter, Marilyn Baxter, in October of 1989.

Bob and Donna raised their family in Eads and enjoyed attending their many sporting events and other activities. Bob loved golfing and spent much time on the golf course, sharing good times with golf partners and friends.

The Miller family attended the Methodist Church in Eads, which Bob’s father and uncle had helped build. His mother was a great musician, and played the piano at that church for many years. 

Bob was very civic minded, and over the years sat on many boards and committees, and was involved in many organizations.  He was very proud to have been a part of the Masonic lodge and all the good works they performed. Just two months ago, he received his 75-year membership pin from the Masons. He served as a town council member in Eads and, while he was a director, they had Unity Village constructed ,which is still housing seniors and the disabled. He was a chamber of commerce member, and served on the boards of Weisbord Hospital, Eads Golf Club, the Elks and others.

In the mid-1980s, Bob and Donna began spending time in Arizona every winter. They loved the warm winter days. After completely retiring in 1989, they began staying longer and longer each year, until finally the traveling back and forth got to be too much, and they made Apache Junction, Arizona, their permanent home. They missed their family and friends in the Eads community, but had made wonderful friends in Arizona as well.

After the death of his beloved wife of 68 1/2 years, Bob found living alone in Arizona difficult. He returned home to Eads in May of 2020, and moved into Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community. He enjoyed it there until physical conditions required him to move out in 2023 and move into the nursing home. His health continued to decline, but his mind remained clear and strong almost to the end of his 97 years of life. April 29, 2025, Bob went to be with the Lord at Weisbrod Health in Eads.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; son, Mike; and daughter-in-law, Marge Miller. 

He is survived by his son, Marty Miller and wife Krissy; daughter, Marilyn Baxter and husband Steve; and son, Frank Miller and wife Marci, all of Eads. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren, and many more extended family and friends. 

Graveside funeral services will be held May 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Eads Cemetery in Eads.  A reception will be held at Praise Community Church in Eads beginning at 1:30 p.m. following the committal.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eads Golf Course or to Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.