DR. REV. ROBERT G. MILLER

Dr. Rev. Robert G. Miller passed into a place of peace on Friday April 1, 2016. Bob will be missed by his lovely bride Shirley (Dahlene VanGaasbeek), his daughters Beth (Miller) Newman, Judy (Miller) Best, Melanie (VanGaasbeek) McReynolds and Diane (VanGaasbeek) Lambie, his 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, students and faculty members who remember him with fondness and admiration.
Bob was born 1934 to Jesse Edward and Marie Reese Miller of Elida, OH where he met his first wife (Carol McElderry). While in Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) he and his class¬mates stood in the front row for Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It was a turning point in his life.
Bob earned his Masters in Sociology at University of Chicago. In 1971 he accepted a position at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS later returning to Chicago to receive his PhD (1974).
He delighted in submerging himself in cultural diversity wherever he went. He shared this passion with his students at Baker University for over 30 years. Mentoring students became one of his greatest joys.
After Carol passed in 1980 he met the second love of his life – Shirley In 1981. Bob and Shirley were blessed to travel the world for most of their time together including teaching assignments in Taiwan and England. They also traveled the state of Kansas as District Governor of the Lions Club.
A celebration of his life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Baldwin City, KS (11am Saturday May 21, 2016).
Condolences may be sent to Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, c/o Family of Dr. Rev. Robert G. Miller, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 (extended bio at www.mtmoriahfreeman.com or www.facebook.com/DrRo bertGMiller).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Miller’s name to Baker University.
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