Decatur Herald & Review
Dr. Robert "Bob" Dale Miller, M.D., age 84, of Decatur, passed away July 14, 2011. Bob grew up and lived in Decatur for most of his life, until his health took a toll so he and his wife Doris moved to be closer to family in Florida. Although he lived in Florida for the past two years, Decatur was always his home.
Dr. Bob, as he was affectionately called by the caring staff at WaterSong Assisted Living in Viera, Florida, was born on May 24, 1927 to Harold and Irene Miller, who were longtime Decatur residents.
Following his graduation from Decatur High School in 1945, he enlisted in the Navy as Seaman First Class during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return to Decatur, Bob attended Millikan University, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree. From there, he attended post-graduate school at Ohio State University for his Master's in Zoology, graduating in 1951. Bob's love of science guided him to graduate Medical School at the University of Illinois in 1955.
Upon completion of school, Bob continued his medical education with an internship and residency at the Illinois Central Hospital in Chicago. After completing his training he and his wife Doris returned to Decatur to begin Bob's family practice in the town he loved. Bob practiced medicine in Decatur for 30-plus years providing care to many of the town's residents. For many years, he served as head of the Macon County Health Department. He was on committees and staff at both of Decatur's fine hospitals: Decatur Memorial and St. Mary's. A member of St. Paul's for most of his adult life, Bob served the Lutheran Church in many different capacities.
He was a talented man who found pleasure in many things: practicing medicine and helping others, anything water related (particularly boating and fishing), traveling, painting artworks of nature, woodworking and carpentry, food (especially a cold beer and pie), gardening, animals (primarily dogs and cats), the Golden K and perhaps most importantly, his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Deserving special recognition in Bob's life is the incredible staff he had over the years in his private practice. His pleasure in practicing medicine was greatly augmented and facilitated by them. They were talented, dedicated, hardworking and fun-loving. He always appreciated and loved them as family.
Because of Bob's love of science and education, he long ago made arrangements for his body to be donated to the Anatomical Gift Association; where even in death he will be assisting doctors in training at the University Of Central Florida Medical School to pursue the advancement of medicine.
Surviving Bob is his wife, of nearly 62 years, Doris; children Susan and Mark; daughter-in-law Denise; grandchildren Cameron, Keegan, Zachary and Morgan; and sister Jeanne.
Bob was a good Midwest man admired, respected and loved by many. Dad you are greatly missed! In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob can be made to Dove, Inc. 788 E. Clay Street, Decatur, IL 62521.