Obituary Photo for Dr. Daniel Warren Miles

Events

Funeral Service

Larkin Mortuary - Riverton: 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah

Monday May 13, 2024 12:00 PM

Dr. Daniel Warren Miles, 88, passed away on May 5th in Riverton, Utah with his family by his side.

Daniel was born on July 9, 1935 to Mary Lyon and M.J. Miles in St. George, Utah. He graduated from Dixie High School in 1953 where he excelled in both basketball and academics. He went on to study at Dixie College where he continued to play basketball. During that time, Daniel broke many tournament records, averaging 30 points a game. In 1955, Daniel graduated from Dixie and was the Valedictorian. He served a Spanish-speaking mission in Texas. He later went to the University of Utah and got his bachelor’s degree in 1960. He taught at Dixie College for three years, while continuing his education at Louisiana State – through a National Foundation Grant during the summer months. Daniel then transferred to the University of Utah and got his PhD in Physical Chemistry. He did a postdoctoral fellowship with the American Medical Association in Chicago for a year, and was invited stay on. But Daniel decided to come back to Utah and spent the next 18 years as a physics and chemistry professor at Westminster College, while doing research with Dr. Henry Eyring at the University of Utah. Eventually he returned back to his roots in Southern Utah, teaching at Dixie College until he retired.

Daniel has been married to Lenore (Workman) since 1961. He is survived by his wife and seven children: Bryant (Kim), Randall, Scott (Yeon Suk), Mark, Michelle, MaryAnn (Paul) Pope, and Aileen (Chris) Schwartz, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Doug and Robert and a sister, Mary. He is also survived by his remaining seven siblings; Howard, Melvin, Helen, Carol, John, Bill, and Clark.

For years, Daniel stayed physically and mentally active. He loved to hike, especially on off-beaten trails in Southern Utah, usually he went alone or with the family dogs. He participated in the Senior Games at Dixie College for a few years. He went fishing every summer, and loved working in his garden. Daniel was a life-long Chicago Cubs and BYU fan. He continued to play baseball, basketball, football, and volleyball with his children and grandchildren well into his 80’s. He kept his mind sharp by playing intense three-hour deduction games, the more complicated the better. He also stayed active in the science and academic community by writing books and letters to the editor.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Larkin Mortuary – Riverton, 3688 West and 12600 South in Riverton, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services beginning at 10:30AM.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.

Video

Guestbook/Condolences

I really didn’t know your brother, but your mom was my dad’s sister. Carol was one of my best friends. I went to Dixie College for a year and graduated from there with a two year degree. I then went back to USU and graduated with BS degree, got married two days later and never left Cache Valley. I will be 80 years old next week and not in good health. I am sorry that I won’t be at the funeral, but you have my condolences for your loss. I have notified my family Pat and Karen Lyon, we are all spread apart so don’t know if any can come. Both Calvert, John, and Rebecca have passed away. All our condolences.

- Jeanenne Lyon Nielsen

Our deepest love and sympathy to you and your family. He was always someone I looked up to, and he was always very gracious with me. He will always be a great man in my eyes.

- Marlene Workman Williford

Lenore and family.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and Dad. We spent many years with you guys on Lambourne Ave. sending ❤️🙏.

- Carol Berg

So sorry to see such a great man leave us. Our prayers and hearts are with Lenore and her family. We will be watching the zoom services from Boise.

- Clair and Marian Workman

I was a younger brother to Daniel Miles. There was only only about 18 months difference in our ages. Daniel was always an excellent role model for me to follow when I was growing up in our large family in St. George, Utah. When he later played center on the Dixie High basketball team, I decided to try to do the same, and played center for Dixie High two years later. After I listened to his talk as Valedictorian of Dixie College, I decided to try to do the same, and was the Valedictorian at Dixie College just two years later in 1957. We were both at the University of Utah at the same time working on our Ph.Ds. degrees in Chemistry for a year or two (1964-65). I would like to be at his funeral, but such a trip would be difficult for me.

- Melvin Henry Miles

It is a sad time to loose such an important person in the family and will always be felt. Susan, Lynn, and Paula send their condolences.

- Paula Pope