Donald V. Miller, who served as chairman of the Pepperdine University Board of Trustees for two decades, died at home on Feb. 23 at age 97.
Pepperdine founder George Pepperdine personally recruited Miller to serve as one of the original members of the five-person Board of Trustees in 1937. He succeeded Pepperdine as chairman of the board in 1956, serving in that position for 20 years. He continued as a lifetime board member until his death.
In 1976, the university honored Miller by naming a freshman residence hall after him, and in 1982 the school awarded him an honorary doctor of law degree for his many years of service.
Miller was also active in Pasadena life. He served as chairman and director of the city’s Tournament of Roses Association from 1946 to 1971. In addition, Miller served in the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Association of Pasadena and the Pasadena chapter of the American Institute of Banking. He worked for United California Bank and later for First Interstate Bank of California when it acquired UCB. He retired from First Interstate as vice president in 1971.
Miller was preceded in death by his wife, Louise A. Miller. He is survived by two daughters, Donna Krumme and Marilyn Shaner, and two grandchildren.
A memorial service for Miller is scheduled for March 7 at 10: 30 a.m. at the Exeter Church of Christ, located at 320 East Firebaugh in Exeter, Calif.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Optimal Hospice Care, 430 W. Caldwell Ave., Suite C, Visalia, Calif.