Franklin Miller

Frank M. Miller passed away March 18, 2018. He was born in Collins, Iowa on December 24, 1928. He was a graduate of Collins Consolidated High School. He excelled in athletics and was named unanimous All Conference in basketball. He receive the athletic award upon graduation. He enlisted in the US Army following graduation. He continued to play basketball during his enlistment in the military. Frank was deployed to Japan serving during the World War II Occupation forces. Upon his discharge he returned to his education and graduated from Drake University with a degree in education. He was a high school athletics coach for seven years. Then he entered the insurance industry and spent thirty years there and retired as a Senior Marketing Vice President. He was a fifty year member of the Masonic Lodge, Drake Alumni Club, The Shrine, Scottish Rite, US Tennis Association, the Collins American Legion Post and the YMCA. He played tennis in his age group tournaments until age 72. He continued to play until age 82. He was ranked #3 player in the State of Iowa. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred (Swanson) Miller. He is survived by his four children, Frank Jr. (Crystal) of Waukee, Deborah (Dave) Poindexter of Urbandale, Susan (Miller) Barth) of Des Moines and Penny (Erik) Luthens of Urbandale. Also surviving is his companion of seventeen years, Virginia Lee Van Vleet whom he is grateful for the care and help during his illness. He has eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Frank was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. During his younger years he participated in basketball and baseball. He and Jini, his companion, loved to travel and visited over fifty countries worldwide. Frank enjoyed life to the very end. It was his wish for no funeral but a private graveside ceremony for his interment at the Evergreen Cemetery in Collins, Iowa. Any memorial contributions may be given to The Salvation Army.