Delbert Keith Miller was born October 15, 1940, to Delbert and Katherine (O’Connor) Miller in St Louis, MO. He graduated from Elmhurst College in 1962 and in 1965 earned a Master of Theology from Eden Seminary. His career in ministry within the United Church of Christ lasted until his retirement in 2011 and included 10 years as Chaplain and Director of Group Life at the Evangelical Children’s Home.

Del loved life and sought to share that love with those around him, always with a calming presence and an undertone of mischief. He loved storytelling and laughter, movies (especially Mel Brooks), jazz music (with a particular soft spot for Dave Brubeck), and the banjo, which he picked up again late in life by taking lessons in his 70s. He was the Limerick King to his friends but suddenly couldn’t remember any when asked by his children to tell a few. Del was an Eagle Scout, a skilled scale plastic modeler, a voracious reader, and a WWII reenactor. Driven by a need to support those who help others, he volunteered as a police chaplain in Granite City, IL. He was active with the Masonic Lodge and served as the Grand Chaplain of Missouri 1999-2000. He went skydiving, always wanted to buy one more coffee mug and loved to travel with his wife, especially to places that had good food and music. Del started a Wednesday breakfast ministry at Epiphany UCC which fed the stomachs and souls of many. He believed that all people were deserving of respect and were vocal in his support of numerous causes. He was quick to make people feel welcome. He enjoyed a glass of whiskey, but always stocked plenty of what anyone else might want when they visited his home. A secret (not so secret) lover of sweets, he hid candy throughout his house and ate a big bowl of ice cream every night.

Del passed away following a stroke on August 20, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Christine Heckendorn, his two children from a previous marriage, Jason (Kris) and Rachel (Andrew), four grandchildren Alec, William, David, and Maya, his younger brother Doug and far too many friends to number.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11 am. Epiphany UCC, 2911 McNair. Colorful clothing is encouraged. Memorials can be made to Epiphany Church.