
D. Paul Miller has earned more than 225 medals competing in Senior Olympics track & field, more than 160 of those being gold, and has been awarded more than 10 National Gold Medals. He earned four golds at Nationals this past June. He also holds two national records in bicycling. His 2011 book, From the Dust Bowl to the Corn Fields, reflects on his life which began on a farm 12 miles south of Protection, Kansas. He first drove his family’s Model-T at age 10 and grew up as a Mennonite during the Great Depression. During World War II, he was assigned to a Civilian Public Service camp set up as an alternative to military service, and served without wages.
In 1947, Miller married and began teaching high school. He became Illinois Wesleyan’s sociology chair in 1960 and enjoyed several sabbaticals, living in Europe and with the Amish in Arthur, Illinois. Several years after retiring, he and his wife moved to a small house and “disposed of our earthly goods” as Miller calls it. Miller and his wife both committed to staying physically fit, and he has continued that commitment following her passing in 2010. His typical routine as of a few years ago included daily stretching, yoga, elliptical training, and weight training at the IWU Shirk Center – all before breakfast.
Miller loves to spend time with family and friends, and follows IWU Titan athletics. He owns property in southern Illinois designated as an Illinois Natural Heritage Landmark, and also works on maintaining property near Carlock, Illinois. He has repaired more than 1,000 clocks since 1970. After several years of research, Miller has converted to a mostly vegetarian lifestyle. Among his spiritual views is a quote from Martin Luther, “Here I stand. I can do no other.” His philosophy on happiness? “You need something to do, someone to love and something to hope for.”
I admire and respect him. More than that, he’s an interesting person and he’s fun to be around…he’s very accepting of other viewpoints. -Norm Eash, IWU Head Football Coach
His personality is full of warmth, candor and curiosity. Meeting Miller in person, those same qualities draw you in…his eyes shine with kindness and twinkle with fun. -Nancy Brokaw, IWU Magazine
D. Paul Miller was born in 1917 and is 100 years old.
He will be in El Paso for a presentation on December 12, discussing his experiences at the Senior Olympics and his athleticism. In addition, he may take questions about other aspects of his life. Please consider attending this once-in-a-lifetime event.
D. Paul Miller
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
6 PM
El Paso District Library
Community Room
Enter through main doors and take the stairs down to the Community Room.