Miller’s Furniture will seem a bit emptier for awhile after the recent passing of Daniel Miller. (Photo by Tim Daulton)
Remembering Daniel Miller
By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
“We were great friends,” said Gerold Miller of his brother Daniel, who passed away on February 29, 2024, after a three-year courageous battle with cancer. The brothers were only two years apart. Gerold remembers fondly playing, laughing, working, and getting into mischief with one another.
Their parents, Harry and Lydia Miller, started Miller’s Furniture in 1976. The family all worked together throughout the years. Gerold and his wife Becky took over in 1989, and Daniel and his wife Mary joined them in the early 1990s. In 2005, when Gerold left the Amish community, Daniel and Mary acquired the business.
Adams County Director of Economic Development Paul Worley said, “Daniel Miller’s passing leaves a void in our community, but his legacy of faith and dedication to living out his beliefs will continue to inspire us. Through his daily life and work, Daniel exemplified the true essence of his faith, embodying values of humility, integrity, and service.”
Director of Travel and Tourism Tom Cross described Daniel as good and generous. Daniel served on the Travel and Tourism Board for years. Cross and Daniel had become close through the years, and Cross said he had broken bread with Daniel and Mary on several occasions. Cross elaborated, “Mary is very gracious and kind. Daniel made friends everywhere he went.”
Cross visited with Miller before his passing. In a final gift of generosity to the Adams County Travel and Tourism Board, Daniel made his wishes known to his son Danny, who would take over the business. He desired to give the new Adams County Travel and Visitors Center all the outdoor furniture they needed free of charge. Cross continued to explain that the Miller and Yoder (formerly Keim’s Family Market) families and the Amish community are the engines that drive tourism in Adams County. He said, “His passing is a huge loss for our community.”
A friend and former Economic and Community Development Director, Holly Johnson, said, “The world is dimmer without Daniel Miller in it.” She continued, “No one promoted Adams County more than Daniel did. He was always working to benefit his community, faith, and family. He never lost sight of those things.”
Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his mother, Lydia; his five children, Brian David, Kristina Marie, Daniel Jay Jr., Esther Leah and Joseph Ray; his special friend Ellen Miller; eight grandchildren, four brothers, and a sister. His father, Harry and a niece preceded him in death.
Gerold described their mother, Lydia, as the pillar of the family. She still lives in the house that Daniel built. Daniel loved his family and his life. His family adored him. He believed that God had a plan for him and his family. In life and death, he chose to honor God.
Daniel enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with family, and eating out. He strived to serve his customers with good furniture, excellent service, and quality care.
An estimated 2,000 people across the United States paid in-person respects to Daniel’s family. Gerold said, “Daniel always loved people. He impacted so many.”
