Derek Paul Miller

Derek Paul Miller, 59, of Scottsdale Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his residence, enjoying one of his favorite pastimes - watching sports. His heart was not up to the fun-filled lifestyle that brought him so much joy.

Derek was born on June 26, 1964 in Alhambra, California to Emily Frische and Phillip Ray Miller. Derek was a proud 1982 graduate of Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Arizona. There he lettered in basketball and baseball with baseball becoming a lifelong passion, earning him a scholarship as a pitcher at Glendale Community College. He maintained lifelong contact with his many high school friends, teachers, and coaches. Derek proudly served as a refueler in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 - 1989 stationed in England and Germany. While in Germany, he enjoyed playing basketball for the Bitburg Barons.

Derek was blessed with a loving son, Garrett Miller, from his first marriage. Derek got back to nature living life on a ranch where he was able to instill valuable lifelong lessons to Garrett and his stepsons, Brannen and Austin. He was their coach in life and sports and cherished every minute. Derek loved his family, friends, cowboy hats, fancy belt buckles, hunting, golf, 80’s hair rock bands, various cocktails, the occasional cigar and telling a story…

Derek found the true love of his life, Kendra Burnham, with the help of Eharmony, and they were married in 2017. They enjoyed all the adventures of this thing called life and were great partners. They especially loved to spend time with their many friends and family, whether it be in Arizona, Illinois, Florida or Tennessee. Kendra and Derek were thrilled to see their family expand with Garrett’s marriage to Julia Brown Miller and the births of their granddaughters, Sage and Emily. Being “P-Paw and KK” was an honor.

Derek always found the best in people. He was definitely not afraid of change and was always up for an adventure. A favorite story of Derek’s was that he “gave” beer to whomever needed it when he worked as a distributor for Hensley & Co. Then he was certified as an EMT, serving for the emergency response team. Also, Derek loved being able to help people beautify their homes and businesses through his painting expertise and his own business, Equity Painting, where ladders were not always needed due to his height. His latest adventure, which he truly enjoyed, was making sure his clients made it to their health related appointments safely and on time. He truly touched the lives of many in a positive way and was referred to as the salt of the earth - someone who is genuine, trustworthy, and of great worth - always lending a helping hand and standing by his friends and family.

Derek, aka “Sweet D”, is survived by countless friends and family: wife Kendra Burnham Miller, son Garrett Miller (Julia), granddaughters Sage Miller and Emily Miller, mother Emily Frische (Richard), father Phil Miller, sisters Diane Miller Koch (Chris) and Leslie Miller Berger (Randy), step brothers Scott Frische (Roxanna), Lee Frische (Tina), and Stuart Frische (Anne). Nephews Keegan Koch, Cameron Koch (Mackenzie), Jonathan Koch, niece Kacey Berger Lewis (Keegan), nephews Kyle Berger, Conner Frische (Audrey), Richard Frische, and Barrett Frische, niece Lora Frische, and cousins in Arizona and Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Thunderbird Baseball Booster Club.