Col. Donald "Don" L. Miller, U.S. Air Force, Ret., joined his Lord and Savior on January 18, 2026, after a full and blessed life. Don was born on October 7, 1942, in Hamburg, PA to Thomas C. and Anna (nee Turner) Miller. He attended high school in Hamburg where he was active in tennis, basketball, and student council. Don went on to attend Parks College of Aeronautical Technology where he first met his lifelong love, Marguerite (Marty) Gunn. He received his B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering and in 1967, joined the Air Force where he began his training as a pilot.

Don and Marty were engaged in December of 1967 and married on August 10, 1968. He graduated from pilot training in June of 1969 and left to serve in the Vietnam War that August. Don was stationed at bases in Vietnam, Europe, and throughout the United States for what eventually led to over 2,850 hours of flying the C-130E and several tours of duty.    In 1979, Don retired as a Captain from active duty and continued his service to the Air Force as a pilot for the Air Force Reserves. He retired from the Air Force Reserves in March of 1998 at the rank of Colonel.

His military training and education included Squadron Officer's School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.  His service to the United States Air Force is documented with numerous acts of valor, achievement and outstanding service toward his fellow airmen, his crews, and his country.  Don also earned his MBA from Saint Mary's University in Operations Management.

After retiring from the Air Force Reserves in 1998, Don continued to serve others in various capacities. He assisted others in achieving their goals financially but also guided them biblically. Don served on the Rotary Club in New Braunfels for many years and volunteered his time as a board member of Security Service Federal Credit Union in San Antonio.  He generously gave his time to Communities in School and the Salvation Army in New Braunfels.

As a choir member in the churches he attended, he glorified God with his rich deep bass voice and served in many leadership roles within the church community.  One of Don's most substantial achievements and greatest honors was serving others as a Bible Study Fellowship Leader for 13 years.  He loved to study God's word and give lectures on some of the most difficult, controversial topics in the Bible.  Don wanted others to understand God's unconditional love for all and that as sinners we have hope because God sent His son "Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so we could have everlasting life" (John3:15).  He loved God with all his "heart, soul, and mind" (Mark 12:30-31) and that brought him a peace and hope that could only be found in Christ, even in his final days.

Don, also known affectionately as "Colonel" by his grandchildren was a man of God, a man of integrity, a man who served others selflessly, and a genuine friend to all. He was a man who loved his wife unconditionally, a man who modeled to his sons and grandchildren what it is to live in God's Word, to feel God's love and to always give your best.  Don is survived by his beloved wife, Marty, son, Jason (Heather) and their children, Elisabeth and Thomas, and son, Austin (Amanda) and their children Madison, Emmry, Molly, and Elias. He had a loving and supportive extended family and made many cherished friendships throughout his life.

Don would tell you he was blessed beyond what he deserved, and He always meant what he said. Don's 83 years have left a profound and lasting impact on his family and those who were blessed to know him.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for the Colonel at 10:30 A.M on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Christ Our King Anglican Church.   A Private Family Burial, with full military honors, will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Community in Schools or the charity of your choice.   Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com