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Fred Darwin-Miller, 70

Valley Press-Mineral Independent | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week AGO
| December 10, 2024 11:00 PM

Fred Darwin Miller went home to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. He was born in Frankfork, Michigan March 23, 1954 to Clarence and Teresa Miller. 

Fred had many medical problems. At 13, a time when most boys were outside playing with friends, he had surgery for an upper arm bone injury. Although he was ordered to not play outside, his mother, Teresa, made the best of it, getting him into reading. These are the times that bind. 

His parents were Lutherans and took him to church. He told me at 3 years old, he believed in Jesus! How awesome that's where faith took hold, a child’s faith, he said. 

Teresa and Fred read my novels together then saw the movie. The books were always better, he said. Growing up, he helped in growing potatoes. He didn’t like it, he liked driving the tractor. After graduating high school, he went to college. 

After leaving there he started on a long career of employment. He worked testing in the fields for oil and gas, then stepped into doing cable in Gillette, Wyoming. He spent 26 years in that field, with the last 16 with Access Montana. Fred would always say this was the best job he ever had, even though he was hired the middle of the month, the owner, Jay, paid him from the beginning of the month. He knew this was a good company. 

Over the years Plains became the place he knew the Lord wanted him. He had a wonderful peace about himself. Fred didn’t believe words were supposed to be used fust for anything. He chose his words carefully. He seemed shy, but was actually a quiet man. 

Fred met his future wife, Delane at Church on the Move. Jim Sinclair was the pastor there. Jim’s sister Delane had cancer, had moved to Plains to be with family. During her time there, she met Fred. He remembered a time in Jim’s office when he was telling him what was expected of a husband. Then he knew he was getting married. There was more to it Fred said, but that was the early part. 

After several years together the cancer returned. Dee was getting stem cell treatments in another town. The company let him work there. In 2010 Delane went home to be with Jesus. Fred had a lot of support during his grieving. Ruth and Tom Charlton and Fred’s mother, Teresa were praying for a good God-fearing woman for Fred. 

The end of May, he got a call from a gal from Garden City. He thought she was close by...It was me, Marsha Matthews. I was in Idaho, next to Boise. We texted for four questions. Fred had an IPhone, me a flip phone. I was frustrated so I called and apologized for calling. He said it was ok, then we started talking. Fred said the Lord told him within the first five minutes, this is the one I have for you. It took me three days. Within the first week Fred said: my niece lives in Meridian, has been wanting him to visit. He could go visit, meet me, we could load up my stuff, get married and come back to Plains. It was wonderful! 

I became Mrs. Fred “the cable guy” Miller, July 2, 2014. Our 10 year, four months, 29 days were the best time ever. We knew in 2010 his life was going to be cut short, so we started making plans. By 2023 he retired and a year later we made a decision to sell our house. Fred thought we had two years but then April 2024, bacterial meningitis...Fred said we needed to move up with our plans. Fred didn't want to be put in a nursing home and he had a complete DNR. 

We, Fred, me and my caregiver, Sharon Herrera found a park model in Spokane, Washington. We purchased a 12 x 39 unit and they delivered it to Plains Sept. 5, 2024. We moved in Sept. 13 under the willow trees and he was comfortable during his last month in Plains Mobile Ct. 

Fred attended Plains Alliance Church, was a Deacon for many years. He felt this is the best work God had for him to do, and coffee with new guys at the Butcher’s Nook. Fred made many friends in Plains, Hot Springs and Ronan, and Ninepipes. He cherished each memory with his many friends who became family.

 Speaking of family; Fred’s sister Ginny was a big sister to be proud of. Fred pointed out to me it was Ginny that told him about the job in Plains. She helped him throughout his life with many decisions. He loved her so much and brother-in-law, Norm. He has a younger brother Roger and wife Tammi, friend Dezi, many nieces and nephews. Wendy and Mike, Michele and Travis, Dee’s granddaughter Kristen Stubbfield, and his many friends from Montana.

Do things Fred did. When driving, always wave to other drivers and smile at everyone. Nod your head at women, it shows respect and give kindness to all you meet. This scripture, Titus 3:2 “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” 2 Timothy 2:22 “And the servant of the Lord must not strive: but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, sister Karen and beloved first wife Delane Miller. Fred’s memorial will be on his birthday, March 23, 2025 at Plains Alliance Church. Come for church at 10:00 am, stay for the memorial afterward.

    Fred Darwin Miller