"Celebrating Mark’s Life"

Mark was born on September 23, 1953, the first child of Barbara Woodson Miller and Robert William Miller in El Paso, Texas. The family moved to Amarillo three months later, where he grew up. He graduated from Tascosa High School, went to Amarillo College, West Texas State University and graduated with a BBA from Texas Tech University. It was at Tech that he met the love of his life, Debra Ann Dowd (Debbie). They were introduced by his sister, Melynn. Melynn and Debbie wanted a Der Wienerschnitzel (AKA Der Dog) and Debbie’s car wouldn’t start. Melynn called her very handsome brother, who graciously took them (because what else did he have to do on a Saturday night? Plenty, I’m sure.). The rest is history, as they say. Mark and Debbie were married in May, 1977 in Amarillo, Texas. They had four children, whom Mark treasured.

Mark was active in the oil and gas industry for 20 years, then became an entrepreneur. He was willing to take risks as evidenced by the fact that he moved his young family to Indonesia for four years. From there the family was able to explore Southeast Asia and Australia, soaking in the culture and surroundings. But no matter where they travelled, Mark’s heart was always in the mountains near Red River, New Mexico. Mark carried on the legacy of three generations by bringing his family to the old mining cabin in the woods. This appealed to his strong sense of family, since his grandparents and family developed the Querinda area and he could spend time with his parents, sisters and their families and much of his extended family. Mark enjoyed skiing, fishing and hiking in the mountains. He also enjoyed sharing the lake with his kids, tubing and water skiing. He liked to sing, read, study the weather and watch the news on mute. Mark and his kids shared an interest in meteorological events such as super moons, meteor showers and the like. He liked to grill and his burgers were known the world over. Mark was able to see all of his children married. He celebrated his youngest son’s wedding the evening before he went home to Jesus. His faith was of utmost importance to him. He is now in his resurrection body, free from pain, with his God and Savior.

Mark is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debbie; his daughter, Megan Miller Jennings and husband Nathan; sons, Marcus John Miller and wife Anna; Andrew Robert Miller and wife Monica, and Austin David Miller and bride Stephanie. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Aiden, Brody and Jude, and his sisters, Melynn Miller Elliott and Michele Miller Webb, and their families.

Rest in Peace ~ Mark Miller ~ passed away May 17, 2020 ~

From Debbie Miller:

"It is with deep sadness, but incredible inner peace and joy that the Miller family announces that Mark went to sleep last night after his son Austin's wedding, and woke up this morning in the arms of Jesus.  Please be in prayer for the family and all the preparations that need to be made within this time of COVID.

Mark has fought a courageous fight against this terrible disease for 3 years. We know that God is working in this and through it to glorify his name. And we’re secure in that, depending on it, in fact. The other day Mark said, “The worst thing that can happen is really the best thing.” He is confident in where he’s going and knows it will be so much better than here. He’s in good spirits and has a great attitude. His peace can only come from the grace of God. God is right here with us, so close we can almost touch him. We can definitely feel his presence.

A little background: This started with a spot on the back of his head. It is the most aggressive melanoma, Invasive Desmoplastic Melanoma. It took several surgeries to get it all, which took a lot of his scalp. Then it came back. This time they had to take more scalp, some of his scull and insert a titanium plate and mesh. Both times they harvested skin from his leg to replace the scalp and the second time they also used part of his back. This cancer doesn’t respond to chemo, so he was treated by immunotherapy and radiation. Sadly, soon it was in his lungs, then his bones and lymph system and now in his liver, hip and shoulder. He’s had 14 surgeries in the past 3 years. He’s been such a trooper through all this and has stayed positive and hopeful.

He was fully here during Austin and Steph’s wedding (moved up from October & then the end if May) cracking jokes, standing for the cake and toasts, posing for pictures. Then Sunday morning he was gone. His last hours were spent with the family he loved so much. What a great way to go. Now he’s in the arms of Jesus.

Also, I want to give you our new address.

Debbie Miller

5220 Old Shepard Pl

Plano, TX 75093"