Thomas R. "Dick" Miller

Thomas Richard "Dick" Miller, 95, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026. He was born on August 31, 1931, in Kokomo, Indiana, the youngest of six sons.

Dick was predeceased by his devoted wife of 52 years, Alice Marie Miller; his parents; and his five brothers, Eddie, John, Jim, Gene, and Bob Miller.

He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Drewe Dewbre and her husband, Bill, of Double Oak, Texas, and his son, Blaine Hampton Miller of Port Isabel, Texas; one grandson, Lance Richard Dewbre of Fort Collins, Colorado; 13 nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Dick's mother passed away when he was just eight years old, and at the age of ten, he began working on local farms in Indiana to support himself. He often said that he believed his mother was his guardian angel because he could sense her guidance when he faced difficult challenges in life.

Although his brothers lived in different states, including California, Indiana, Colorado, and Florida, they planned a trip each year for many years to celebrate the importance of family. These special gatherings were full of laughter and very dear to Dick's heart.

The game of basketball brought Dick from Indiana to Louisiana. His skills earned him a scholarship to McNeese State University, where he was the team's leading scorer and captain. He remained devoted to McNeese throughout his life.

Dick served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and was stationed in Germany. He was particularly proud to have been a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

In his business life, Dick owned and operated Miller's House for Sports in Lake Charles for over 40 years. Many people fondly remember buying their first gun or fishing pole from his store. He also served as a buyer for a national buying syndicate, traveling to many places across the globe in that capacity. In addition, he bought, sold, and developed real estate.

In his spare time, Dick enjoyed working on the family farm in Iowa, where the family had horses, cattle, and farmland. These times spent together are warmly remembered by all.

Dick was a certified scuba diver and, for many years, vacationed at beautiful diving destinations. He and Marie enjoyed visiting antique stores and collecting treasures. He had a lifelong love of gardening and took great pride in his abundant crops, which he loved sharing with family and friends.

Dick enjoyed people from all walks of life. He loved hearing their stories and sharing his own. He was quick to help others in their time of need, never forgetting those who had helped him throughout his life.

In their retirement years, Dick and Marie lived on the 200-acre family homestead in Iowa. Many good times were shared riding around on tractors and golf carts, fishing in the ponds, shooting guns, and enjoying delicious food. Dick often said that when he was a little boy working on someone else's farm, he never dreamed that one day he would own such a beautiful place.

Dick's life story is truly inspiring. He began earning his keep as a ten year old boy and, through hard work and determination, became a successful businessman who was well known, loved, and respected by his many friends and family. You can't do much better than that.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 5, 2026 in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street in Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.