Allen Miller

Allen Earl Miller was born on July 24, 1929 in the sod house on the family farm at Doby Springs, Oklahoma. He was one of 11 children of William Nolan & Mildred (Showalters) Miller. A lifelong Buffalo resident Allen left this life Saturday morning October 15, 2011 at Harper County Community Hospital in Buffalo at the age of 82 years, 2 months, and 21 days. Allen attended a one room schoolhouse at Doby Springs for 8 years, then transferred to Buffalo where he graduated in 1947. Allen joined the US Navy in 1950 and traveled the world serving his country until he received his Honorable Discharge in 1954. While in the Navy he also competed as a boxer winning many awards and trophy’s including the Golden Gloves Championship & All Service Trophy. After the Navy, Allen attended College at Panhandle State University at Goodwell Oklahoma. Allen later returned home to Buffalo and worked, helping his parent’s on the farm and ranch. In 1958 Allen met the love of his life Theda Joann Williams; they were married on Sunday September 14 ^th , 1958 and made their home in Buffalo. Allen and Theda had recently the pleasure of celebrating their anniversary of 53 years of marriage together. They are the proud parents of two sons Troy and Travis and grandparents of two granddaughters Kierstin and Kaitlynn. Allen was a kind, thoughtful gentleman, and his smile will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to being a farmer and rancher Allen went to work for the Oklahoma Highway Department in 1961 and worked hauling heavy equipment all over the district and state until he retired after 25 years of service in 1986. Allen continued to raise cattle after his retirement and also spent time going to the coffee shop to visit with lifelong friends. Allen served as President, Secretary, or Treasurer of the Buffalo Senior Citizens Center for over 10 years. He also served as Board member & Past President of the Buffalo Alumni Association. A llen was a member for 56 years of the Buffalo American Legion Post 246 and Veteran of Foreign Wars. He also served on the American Legion Honor Guard to pay tribute to his other fellow veterans. For the last 53 years Allen had been a regular part of the Old Settler’s Picnic at Doby Springs. Allen was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Buffalo. Some of Allen’s greatest joys came from his family. He always enjoyed going to dances with his wife, traveling the country together after retirement, playing cards with family and friends, and working crosswords while watching TV with the ones he held dear at his side. He valued his job as a father and taught his sons how to work hard and tenderly taught them the joys and sorrows of life. Allen was a proud father of his two sons. Later in life, he enjoyed counting the cows and driving the pastures with sons by his side all while telling his stories one more time – to ensure the memories would be engraved upon their memories forever more. His greatest joy in life came when he became a grandfather. Spending time with his granddaughters was one of his favorite pastimes. Whether it was taking them to the farm, reading books, watching cartoons, or just holding them for a good nap; he always looked forward to spending more time with ‘his girls’. He enjoyed attending their many activities - parades, soccer games, softball games, and dance competitions. He was always eager to tell all those around him ‘those are MY granddaughters aren’t I the luckiest man on earth.' Allen is survived by his loving wife Theda and son Travis of their home in Buffalo; son Troy and wife Jennifer, and 2 granddaughters Kierstin and Kaitlynn all of rural Pond Creek; sister Madeline Hill of La Mesa, California; brothers Taylor of Woodward, Norval of Albuquerque NM, Merton of Enid, and Jack of Buffalo, a host of other relatives, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, William Nolan on February 23 ^rd , 1978 and Mildred Lee on October 25 ^th 1994; Infant Sister Bertha Dee in May 1932; brother Zack in October 1974; Brother Bill in October 1993; Brother Cody in December 1993; and sister Naomi in June 2005.