Walter Mark Miller

May 24, 1937 - January 5, 2019

Walter Mark Miller, 81, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 in Payson, Utah. He was born May 23, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri to Francis A. Miller and Ruby F. Woodcock. One of twelve children, he helped work the farm with the others to help support the family. Walt attended grade school in a country school. He “walked uphill both ways”. He graduated from High school in Missouri. He attended college at the University of Missouri before serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States. After returning from his mission he enlisted in the United States Air Force. When he was stationed in Indiana he met Phyllis Garver his future eternal companion. He would hitchhike 75 miles (one way) to see her as often as possible. They just celebrated their 55th anniversary this past October. She was truly the love of his life. He would always call the family together for a family meeting and say how beautiful and wonderful she was and how much they loved each other. They were blessed with seven children, 19 grandchildren and soon to be 12 (and counting) great grandchildren. Walt was enlisted and served honorably in the USAF for 9 years. He loved his country and was proud of his service. He had a strong love for his country and patriotism. He was a member of the American Legion and would attend flag ceremonies often. He graduated from Weber State with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. He then moved to Moab with his six children and worked while he went to school for his Masters degree. He loved being a social worker and helping others. It was a tough job but he was patient, kind and was willing to do what it takes to do the job well. He had his Masters degree in Social work and a Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and his LCSW (license in clinical social work). He worked for the State of Utah Family services for 35 years. Walt served honorably in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved music and it was part of who he was. He was always singing or humming. There were very few days where there wasn’t some kind of music emanating from him. He loved church songs and classical music. He played the trombone in high school. He led music in church on and off his whole life from the age of twelve. He loved being a Grandfather, from his first grandchild to his latest great grandchild he loved being with them. He let his true love of life show when he was around them. He loved working with his hands. If it was broke you fixed it. He worked with wood and plumbing and cars. He loved to build wooden toys for his grand children. His grandchildren remembered his toy car collection and his “Tootsie Roll” maker. He had a full and fabulous life. He loved his family and he loved Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He had a desire to be a good person and do what would please his heavenly Father. Walt was preceded in death by Walter “Mark” Miller II (son), Lavonne Grace Miller (infant daughter), Francis A Miller (father) Ruby F Miller (mother), Ronald Miller (brother), Joy Craig (sister), Vera Bathgate (sister) Guy Miller (brother), and Ann Skaggs (sister). He is survived by, Phyllis I Miller (wife); children, Selena Miller, Janice (Clinton) Hunton, Lenora (Steven) Reinhard, Peggy (Jeffery) Lau, Robert Miller; grandchildren, Kelby (Rachel) Miller, Maxwell (Stephanie) Miller, Erica (Ian) Owen, Gabriel Miller, Nathan Miller, Jacob (Corie) Miller, Lydia Miller, Battai Hunton, Jaden Hunton, Emily Hunton, Hannah Hunton, Paul (Danae) Reinhard, Zachary (Sarah) Lau, Milani (Benjamin) Wu, Kaelie Lau, Riley Lau Ethan Lau, Lizzy Miller, Jeremy Miller and siblings, Ray Miller, William "Bill" Miller, Vonda Mcdowell, Donald "Rusty" Miller, Ruby Hatcher and Patsy James. Funeral Services will be held at Friday, January 11th, at 11:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 140 North 400 West Orem, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment with Military Honors in Utah Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery (Camp Williams) 17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, Utah. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.