Donald Edwin Miller, 93, of Emmaus, died peacefully April 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. One more of the “greatest generation” who’s light has been extinguished. He was the husband of Mary (Leiby) Miller for 47 years, until her death in 1995. He then wed Elsie (Samora) Shanda Miller, of Souderton, with whom he shared the last 21 years. Born in Macungie, he was the son of the late Minerva and Harry Miller.

A World War II veteran, he served from 1943 to 1945 in the Army Air Corps. He was a flight engineer and top gunner on B-17 bombers in the 8th Air Force, the 452 bomb group at Deopham Green air base in Norfolk, England. He transferred to the 15th Air Force and 764th and 761st bomb groups in Cerignola, Italy where he was an aerial photographer. In early 1945, his plane was shot down over the border of Austria and Hungary. He was one of only four survivors after the bomber exploded. He was then captured and was a Prisoner Of War until late April when the Russian army liberated him. His military story is featured in 2011’s “War Stories: In Their Own Words.”

He was a machinist for the Bethlehem Corporation for 36 years, working at plants in Bethlehem and Palmer Township. He then became a parts driver for Vinart dealerships before his retirement.

He built his own home on Shimerville Road in Emmaus, where he lived for 57 years.

He was a proud life member of the Macungie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9264. He served as the post commander, 8th district commander and the honor guard for many years.

He is survived by his wife; son, Randall P. and his wife, Barbara (Chaszar); granddaughter, Ashley and her fiance, Gentry Reinhart, of Bethlehem; stepchildren, Lynn (Shanda) and her husband, Michael Zahner, Larry and his wife, Beth Shanda, Jim and his wife, Cassie Shanda, Ricky and his wife, Celine Shanda, and their families. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Linda Star Miller; parents; brothers, Harold and Bud Miller and Benjamin Brunner.

Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.