Ltcol David K. Miller Usaf (Retired)

MILLER, David K., LtCol, USAF (Retired), age 74, of Centerville passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 after a long battle with Parkinsons. David was born March 26, 1943 on Staten Island, NY to Raymond G. and Eleanor King Miller. He graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Rockville, MD and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University as an Air Force ROTC graduate, where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Prior to entering active duty, he returned to graduate school under a NASA traineeship and earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and, ultimately, a PhD degree, both from North Carolina State University. David entered active duty in 1969 at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, NM where he was active in nuclear weapons effects research and underground nuclear weapons testing. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Aerospace Research Laboratory and later the Flight Dynamics Laboratory at WPAFB. This was followed by a stint with the AF Systems Command Inspector Generals Office out of Andrews AFB, MD and Defense Nuclear Agencys Test Division. In 1984, he came to the Air Force Institute of Technology, WPAFB, OH as an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering. After several years as a Deputy Department Head, he became Assistant Dean, later joining Wright Laboratory where he remained until his retirement in 1993. David retired as Chief of the Analysis and Optimization Branch, Flight Dynamics Directorate, Wright Laboratory, WPAFB, OH. Under his leadership, the branch produced significant technological developments in the design and structural analysis of air vehicles. Davids military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the AF Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. David enjoyed family foremost, home improvement projects, refinishing antiques, cars, and anything that involved tinkering. During his retirement he was very active at Normandy United Methodist Church, where he was Chair of the Trustees and led the effort to build the education expansion project. He enjoyed travel and mission trips, theater performances, concerts, and movies, watching sports, and fellowship with friends, especially the Koinonia Group and Mens Coffee Group from Normandy. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol Ann (Riley); children, Heather Miller, Joanna (Josh) Neiman of Springboro, and Sarah (Nathan) Schwab of Miami Township; grandchildren, Lauren and Luke Schwab, and Cora Neiman; siblings, John (Eileen) Miller of VA, Patricia Miller of MD, Helen (Karl) Gebhardt of VA, Stephen (Heidi) Miller of MD, and Philip (Ann) Miller of MD; brother and sisters-in-Law Philip (Lynne) Riley of TN, Marriot Riley of VA, and Kay Riley of NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at 10am prior to the Memorial Service at 11am, Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Normandy United Methodist Church, 450 W Alex Bell Rd, Dayton, Rev. James Riggs and Rev. Harvey Smith officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the church during a luncheon, to which all are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Endowment Fund of Normandy United Methodist Church, where David served as a Trustee for many years; or Parkinsons Support and Wellness (www.parkinsoncincinnati.org) 260 Stetson St, Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45219.

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
81 N. Main St.
Centerville, OH
US 45459