Born on November 15, 1937, in Broken Bow (Walworth), Nebraska, Donnie attended grade school at Oxford District 13 and later graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1955. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska and Colorado State University, earning a bachelor’s degree from UNL and a Master of Education Degree from Colorado State in 1966.
Don married his true love, JoAnne Myers, a 1956 graduate of Broken Bow High School who later attended the Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1959. They were married on November 1, 1959, and spent their years together building a life filled with love, faith, and a deep commitment to family.
Donnie dedicated his career to agricultural education and service through the University of Nebraska Extension. He began as the County Extension Agent Chair of Box Butte County in Alliance, Nebraska (1959–1970), then served as Chair of Hall County in Grand Island, Nebraska (1970–1976). In 1976, Donnie became the County Extension Agent Chairman of Lancaster County in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he served until his retirement in 1995. During this time, he also held leadership responsibilities as Chair of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) faculty to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Nebraska. His work left a lasting impact on Nebraska’s agricultural communities, and he was deeply respected by colleagues, farmers, and students alike.
Outside of work, Donnie was a member of the Amateur Radio Club (LARC). He was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club. Don, JoAnne, and their daughter Pam belonged to the Sesostris Covered Wagons and enjoyed many camping trips with great friends. He loved spending time on their acreage in Raymond, Nebraska, where he took great joy in working outdoors and keeping busy with his riding lawn mowers and tractors.
Above all, Donnie treasured his family. He is survived by his children, Natalie Leach (Lyn), Bruce Miller, Stephanie Main (Jason), and Kimberly Riggs; his grandchildren, Mindy Jarvis (Jared), Ben Leach (Ryan Boege), Sheldon Riggs, Jaimyn Riggs, Josh, Zach, and Nick Main; great-grandchildren, Elijah Jarvis and Sienna Boege; his sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Myers; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Vera Miller; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Alma Myers; his loving wife, JoAnne Miller (Myers); his daughter, Pamela Miller; son-in-law, Ryan King; sister, Elva June Johnson; in-laws, Vern Johnson Jr, Leslie (Myers) and Steve Holcomb, Darrell Myers; and nephew, Bradley Myers.
A service to honor Donnie’s life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at The Raymond Community Church, 14750 N 3rd St at 11 am. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and share memories as we celebrate a life well lived. A luncheon will follow the service at the Raymond Women’s Club located at 14701 First Street, Raymond, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church.