Don Enrico Miller entered eternal rest on August 9, 2026. Don was born on September 26, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Floyd and Clairine Miller. Later, he and his family moved to Chicago where he completed his high school education and earned a Bachelor's degree, allowing him to pursue his calling as an educator. He subsequently earned his Master's degree in Educational Administration and moved to Germany to serve as an administrator at military base schools. He and Jill Caswell were married from 1965 to 1994, and they had two children, Lauri and Kevin. After ten years in Germany, Don and his family returned to the United States and settled in New York where he earned his Doctorate degree at Syracuse University. In 1973, he relocated his family to Odessa where he served as one of the faculty at the University of Texas Permian Basin. He taught classes in Educational Administration until his retirement in 1999.

In 2001, he married Anna, and they enjoyed their many trips to Ruidoso with their beloved fur baby, Schatzi. God granted their desire to be able to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in January 2026. Don enjoyed the outdoors, especially the mountains of Ruidoso where he served on the Ski Apache Ski Patrol for forty years. He served on the Permian Playhouse Board of Directors in the early 1980’s and performed in several productions.

He found great joy in singing, as a faithful and longstanding member of the Odessa-Midland Chorale, as well as the choirs of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (SEAS) and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. As a member of SEAS, he was active in the Men’s Acts Retreats. At the time of his death, he was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and even as his health declined, he insisted on attending Mass which was a source of comfort, peace and joy. His faith in his heavenly Father never wavered.

Don enjoyed his life and didn’t sweat the small stuff. He shared his gifts of humor, a quick wit, a patient attitude and a love of teaching and learning with his family, his students, and his friends. One of his greatest sources of joy was attending his children’s and grandchildren’s performances and athletic events, as well as the many family gatherings.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Clairine Miller, brothers Cecil and Eric Miller, sister Jacqueline Miller Matisse and brother-in-law, Peter Matisse, father-in-law Catarino Talavera Jr., mother-in-law Candida Talavera, sister-in-law, Juanita Cruz, niece, Jessica Cruz, sister-in-law, Frances Sanchez, brother-in-law, Joe Talavera Sr. and sister-in-law, Maribel Miller.

Don is survived by his wife, Anna, sister, Faye Ford (Don), brother, Thaddeus Miller, nieces, Amy and Claire Michelle Miller, daughter, Lauri Loving, son, Kevin Miller (Jaime), stepson, Thomas Camacho Jr. (Anna), stepdaughter, Cecilia Ochoa (Ruben), sister-in-law, Teresa Sanchez (Daniel), nieces, Sara and Mayah Sanchez, great niece, Genesis Sanchez, brother-in-law, Johnny Sanchez, niece and goddaughter, Kabrina Fogle (James), brother-in-law, Daniel Talavera (Anita), niece, Estella Leal (Andy), great-niece, Arianna Arroyo (Albert), and great-great nephew, Ayden Arroyo, nephew, Joe Talavera Jr., and niece, Valerie Talavera. His grandchildren are Hannah and Cole Loving, Raeslyn and Caston Miller, Amree and Angelo Ochoa and Jermiah Camacho.

Pallbearers are Kevin and Caston Miller, Obbie and Cole Loving, Thomas Camacho, Jr., Ruben Ochoa and honorary pallbearer, Pat Fowler. 

The family would like to thank Father Bernardito Getigan for his pastoral guidance, Pat Fowler for being Don’s faithful and steadfast friend, the director and staff at Mission Center Adult Day Service for caring for Don with enthusiasm and joy, and Bernadette, Zelda, Erik, Terry and Lovett, Don’s Hospice and Care Team, for providing compassionate care, comfort and encouragement, during Don’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Mission Center Adult Day Service, in Don’s memory.

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