Dalton Miller, 57, of Stanford, KY passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Lexington Veterans Hospital following a courageous two-year battle with colon cancer.
Dalton dedicated his life to serving others. A proud United States Army Veteran, he honorably served his country for more than two decades, including deployments during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following a distinguished military career, he retired from the Army in 2006.
While continuing in the National Guard, Dalton continued his life's mission of helping people through a career in social work. He often described social work not as a profession, but as a ministry. Through his work, he helped countless children find loving homes through adoption and provided hope and support to families during difficult times. Even after retiring from social work in 2018, his commitment to helping others never ended. He remained a source of encouragement, guidance, and compassion to all who knew him.
Dalton's love for his community led him into public service. He served as a Stanford City Councilman before being elected Mayor of Stanford in 2020, a position he faithfully held until his passing. Dalton often said that being Mayor was his favorite job he had ever held and that it never felt like work—even on the most challenging days. He loved the people of Stanford and was passionate about making the community a better place for everyone.
Known for his exceptional leadership, warm personality, and genuine care for others, Dalton was a natural people person and a gifted manager who brought people together. He consistently put the needs of Stanford and its citizens first, earning the respect, admiration, and affection of those he served. His impact on the city will be felt for generations, and his legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will forever remain a part of the Stanford community.
Dalton was also a faithful member of Lancaster First Assembly of God, where his faith guided his life and his service to others. His Christian witness was evident in the compassion he showed, the relationships he built, and the countless lives he touched. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Dalton's life stands as a testament to faith, sacrifice, service, and love. He leaves behind a grateful community, cherished family members, dear friends, and countless individuals whose lives were made better because of his presence.
His memory will be treasured, his example will continue to inspire, and his legacy of servant leadership will never be forgotten.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
SURVIVORS:
His loving wife: Treina Bunch Miller
3 children: Isaiah Miller (Aubrey), Aisha Sims (Nas), and Tra Carey (Carleigh)
6 siblings: Bobby Lee (Ann), Buford lee, Ricky Burton, Danny Burton (Lora), Jeff Miller and Larry Miller
8 grandchildren: Brantlee, Brooklynn, Risan, Londyn, Chason, Ella, MiAmor and Ava
A host of nieces & nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ethel Miller; and two siblings: Mary Ann Pendleton and Timmy “Honeybun” Burton.
Funeral Service: Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 1:00pmET at Stuart Underwood Auditorium, Lincoln County High School, Stanford, KY with Bro. Wendell Johnson, Bro. Tim McClure, and Bro. Damon Johnson officiating
Burial: Caldwell Chapel Cemetery in Knifley, KY
Public Visitation: Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pmET at Stuart Underwood Auditorium, Lincoln County High School, Stanford, KY
Private Visitation: Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 3:00pm-4:00pmET for the Stanford City Council, City Staff, 137th Transportation Detachment and 217th Quartermaster Detachment
2nd Visitation: Friday, June 5, 2026 from 11:00am-1:00pmCT at Trinity Church, 2418 Campbellsville Rd., Columbia, KY
Active Pallbearers: Josh Miller, Kenny Mac Smith, Mike Southerland, James Evans, Greg Lark and Jamie Herren
Honorary Pallbearers: 137 Transportation DET and 217 QMDET
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia, KY is in charge of local arrangements.
