JosephSmithSr.
So shall it be with my father: he shall be
called a prince over his posterity, holding
the keys of the patriarchal priesthood over the kingdom of God on earth, even the Church
of the Latter Day Saints, and he shall sit in the general assembly of patriarchs, even in
council with the Ancient of Days when he shall sit and all the patriarchs with him and shall
enjoy his right and authority under the direction of the Ancient of Days.
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MILLER, Clyde Allan[1, 2]

Male 1908 - 1989  (80 years)  Submit Photo / DocumentSubmit Photo / Document


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  • Name MILLER, Clyde Allan 
    Birth 29 Nov 1908  Grand Island, Hall, Nebraska, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    WAC 18 Aug 1930  SLAKE Find all individuals with events at this location 
    _TAG Reviewed on FS 
    Death 5 Aug 1989  Sandy, Salt Lake, Utah, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Burial 5 Aug 1989  Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Headstones Submit Headstone Photo Submit Headstone Photo 
    Person ID I50598  Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack Smith
    Last Modified 19 Aug 2021 

    Family ID F25560  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family DUNYON, Dora Fitzgerald ,   b. 21 Dec 1905, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States Find all individuals with events at this locationSalt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United Statesd. 21 Jun 1996, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 90 years) 
    Marriage 16 Jun 1978 
    Family ID F19490  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 24 Jan 2022 

  • Photos At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.

  • Notes 
    • Clyde Allan Miller married Florence Todd Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple on June 15, 1931. Florence passed away in Sandy, Utah on July 9, 1977. She had been a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Clyde married Dora Fitzgerald Dunyon on June 16, 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple. Dora was born December 21, 1905 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the daughter of Joy Wells Dunyon and Effie Isnell Fitzgerald.

      Dora and Clyde had much in common. They were both retired school teachers and related well to youth. She had a fun sense of humor and was a gifted conversationalist. Dora and Florence had been good friends. Clyde and Dora loved attending the Salt Lake Temple together. Dora had been blessed with the opportunity of serving there for eight years. Dora was a petite woman with a gentle, compassionate heart. She brought comfort and joy into her husband’s life. Her home was organized and attractive, but the best part was the welcoming feeling of peace that was present. Dora had a lovely rose garden, which was Clyde’s favorite flower. She liked to collect porcelain figurines. Clyde died on August 5, 1989 in Sandy, Utah. Dora passed away June 21, 1996 in Salt Lake City, Utah.


      Memories of Clyde Allan Miller

      (The following stories were recorded from the funeral of Clyde Allan Miller.)

      Life Sketch:

      Clyde Allan Miller was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on November 29, 1908. He was the son of Charles August Miller and Alma Maybelle Clara Strattan. Clyde married Florence Todd Taylor on June 15, 1931 in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. Soon after he was married, Clyde was called on a mission to the North Western States. Later the couple served a genealogy mission together in England from 1969-1971. They were the parents of five children, all born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Clyde and Florence also shared the responsibilities of caring for several foster children. Florence passed away on July 9, 1977. Clyde later married Dora, Fitzgerald Dunyon on June 16, 1978. Clyde died on August 5, 1989 in Sandy, Utah.

      Children’s Memories of Their Father:

      When Clyde’s children were young, he often told them stories about their ancestors. He also read to them from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Clyde took the time to explain things and answer their questions. He taught them good values and correct principles by his example.

      Clyde allowed his children to use their gift of agency in making decisions. One Sunday a teenage son asked to watch a movie in town with some friends. Clyde reminded him of their family’s rule of keeping the Sabbath day holy by doing those things that would help them remember the Lord, but he let him make the final choice.

      His son went to the movies but later admitted it wasn’t worth the discomfort he felt, because in his heart he knew the Lord expected him, as a priesthood holder, to keep the Sabbath day holy and set a good example for his friends. This experience helped him make better choices in the future.

      One beautiful Sunday afternoon another son, who was an excellent fisherman, begged to go fishing with a friend. Finally Clyde agreed but said, “You know what the Lord wants you to do. If you go, I promise you will not catch a single fish.” Clyde’s son went fishing anyway, but true to his father’s word he never caught a fish and neither did anyone else in the group.

      Clyde cared about people and often performed thoughtful acts of service. Many times they were done in secret. One day he asked his son to secretly place a basket of fruit on someone's doorstep, because he knew the family needed it. Clyde took the time to smile and say something kind to those he met, no matter who they were. One afternoon, he expressed kindness to a homeless person sitting on the sidewalk. His teenage son thought that was disgusting. “Dad, why did you even speak to that dirty old tramp?”

      Clyde answered, “A smile doesn’t cost anything and can brighten someone’s day.” This made a lasting impression on his son.

      Clyde loved his family and wanted them to be happy. He was patient, kind, creative and energetic. He loved to cook and made creative lunches for his children. Clyde was focused and organized. He set goals and then worked towards their accomplishment. Each morning he cheerfully greeted his children as he woke them up for breakfast. His Son Alan reminisced, “Even as teenagers, dad would begin the day by saying, Time to get up. Let’s hear the patter of little feet! Afterwards, he played the piano and I really enjoyed listening to him. The music warmed my soul and was truly the most beautiful sound in the world.”

      “Dad always began and ended each day with prayer, remarked his son Karl. My parents were always supportive. They came to all our games and activities.”

      Clyde found joy in serving the Lord. He tried to live his life in a manner that would help him recognize spiritual promptings. Clyde had great faith and used his priesthood to bless others.

      Clyde’s daughter, Eve, had a baby with so many complications at birth that the doctors said he would not live. Eve asked her dad to give him a name and a blessing before he died. Alan went with his father to assist him with the priesthood blessing.

      They laid their hands on the frail infant’s head. It was visible that he was near death. They gave him the name of Garth Gwinn. Alan wondered what his dad would say to a dying baby and was shocked by what he heard.

      The Holy Spirit prompted his father to say, “By the power of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to live.”

      Alan remembered what the doctors had said and wondered how such a thing could be possible. The following day his father phoned to see how the baby was doing. The doctor said he didn’t understand, but the baby was fine. The doctors called him the miracle baby.

      Clyde had a pleasant personality and the gift of making friends easily. He had a fun sense of humor and a positive attitude. Clyde served in his ward’s bishopric for several years during the time his children were young. He inspired others to do their best. One of his children said, “Dad left people feeling better then when he found them.”

      Clyde appreciated his country and the blessings of freedom. He loved history and was well versed on the subject. Clyde was active in politics and served as councilman for two terms and then became Mayor of Sandy. He always encouraged people to vote and said, “Your vote matters, so be sure to vote.”




      (My Uncle Clyde Allan Miller was born November 29, 1908 in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the son of Charles August Miller and Alma Maybelle Clara Strattan. Clyde was a kind man of noble character and has been an inspiration to many. I would like to share the stories he told me about the lessons he learned from his parents.)

      Manage Your Finances:

      As a young boy, I wanted a new red wagon. When I asked my parents to buy it, they encouraged me to earn my own money and follow a monthly payment plan. Their motto was, “Pay as you can afford it, keep good financial records and never go into debt.” They wanted to teach me some of the financial lessons they had learned through experience. I did extra jobs at home and in my neighborhood, until I could afford to buy the wagon. Gradually I began to understand the concept. While attending the University of Nebraska, I worked in a store, cut hair and led a dance band in order to meet my financial obligations. This principle also helped me better manage my finances as a missionary and when I had my own family.

      Be Honest:

      One morning I didn’t want to attend school and stayed in bed pretending to be ill. Mother seemed to see right through me, but still phoned the doctor. He listened and then recommended a dose of caster oil. He said it would be a sure cure. It made me feel miserable. I never played hooky again.

      Mother sent me to the store to buy groceries. When I got home she noticed I had been given too much change. She told me to return and give back the extra money because that was the honest thing to do. The clerk was surprised when I handed him the coins. This experience gave me a greater desire to be honest in my dealings with others.

      Be a Good Example:

      When I was about thirteen years of age, I wanted to drive the horse and buggy to the matinee movie in town. Mother had some errands to do and left me in charge of my little brother, Harold, who was four years old. We went to the movie, but on the way home I accidentally dropped the reins. The horses started running and never stopped until they got to the barn door. I told Harold to hang on tight to the buggy. He hung on for dear life. It was a wild ride, but we made it back safely. Through the years, we laughed about our secret adventure and felt glad it turned out alright.

      I wanted to be a good example to my younger brother. Sometimes I took him to a classic restaurant, where I taught him social etiquette and we talked together. He listened and followed my example. This was a simple thing, but it meant a lot to Harold who fondly remembered it as an adult.

      Piano Lessons:

      Mother wanted me to take piano lessons, but sometimes my schedule was too busy for me to practice. When the day of my lesson arrived, mother shook her head in frustration knowing that I was unprepared. Later in the afternoon she saw my teacher and asked how it went. She replied, “Clyde played every piece perfect. He must have practiced for hours. You can be so proud of him.”

      Mother was very surprised and wanted to know how I had accomplished such an amazing result. During the bus ride to my lesson, I looked at the music and visually practiced in my head. When I began to play, my fingers knew exactly what to do and the music flowed smoothly. Looking back on the experience, I realized I had a musical gift and a photographic memory, just like my father who played many kinds of instruments and remembered authors, passages and page numbers from books he had read.

      Boys Can Learn to Cook:

      Ruth Hannah (Huestis) Strattan use to tell my mother, “When you get married, teach your children how to clean and cook, even if you only have boys.” My parents had three sons. Mother was an excellent cook. She followed her grandmother’s advice and taught me how to cook and clean house. Those skills were helpful when I became a missionary, husband and father.

      Overcome Bad Habits:

      During my teenage years, I picked up a habit of swearing. One day I hit my thumb with a hammer while I was working with my dad. Out came a whole stream of offensive swear words.

      My father didn't get mad but asked, “Did that make you feel better?”

      I admitted that it did not. He suggested I make up a different word to use when I became upset instead of swearing. “Like what?” I asked.

      Dad knew I was interested in forestry and plants so he said, “Try saying something like fossil.”

      I decided to follow dad’s suggestion and started a new fad at school. Every time something went wrong, I said, “fossil.” My friends burst out laughing and followed my example. Soon, swearing was not a problem anymore.

      Be Respectful:

      One day I did something that aggravated my mother. She felt angry and thought dad should give me a whipping. My father picked up a razor strap and asked me to follow him to the shed. Once we were inside he closed the door and said, “I don’t feel the same way about this as your mother, but I want you to learn to respect her. Put this board inside your breeches, so it won’t hurt and yell each time I wallop you. When we’re done, I want you to apologize to your mother and obey her.”

      When the mock beating was over, I hung my head and bit my lip to keep from laughing and then slowly followed my dad back into the house. “Maybelle,” he said, “That has been taken care of.”

      Mother looked at us, but did not answer as she wiped away a tear with her apron. She had heard me cry out and regretted her anger. I apologized and decided to be more obedient and respectful after that.

      Family, Music and Education:

      Education was important to my family. We often played educational games that would help us learn new things. My parents loved to read and converted one room of our house into a library. Dad built several rows of shelves and we filled them with a variety of books on the subject of religion, history, home repairs and novels. I guess their love for reading rubbed off on me.

      Music was an important part of our lives. Before my parents were married, dad was in a traveling dance band. He met my mother at one of the dances where he played. Music brought them together. Mother played the piano and viola. When company came, dad often asked me to help entertain them. Mother played the piano while father and I accompanied her on various instruments. I didn’t always like being interrupted from my fun, but we had many good times and these happy memories meant more to me as I became older. My parents had beautiful voices. Mother sang soprano, father was a rich baritone and my brother, Harold, blended in with tenor. We often gathered around the piano and sang as mother played our favorite tunes.

      I was always included in family activities. Mother enjoyed attending dances and socializing with friends. We went to the theater, attended the Christian Church orchestra and went on trips by train. We also participated in family picnics with relatives and holiday dinners. Sometimes we went hiking in Atchison, Kansas. I was interested in forestry and plants, so my father encouraged me to watch for nature’s treasures as we walked. I soon had a fine collection of arrow heads, a spear head and several fossils.

      I am not afraid of challenges and discovered that I liked working with young people. In 1933, I accepted a job at Star Valley High School in Afton, Wyoming, where I taught band, orchestra, choir and private lessons for various instruments. My students learned to always be prepared, for when I wore a red tie, it meant there would be a test! About two years later, I received a job at Bunkerville, Nevada and then went to teach in Fort Union, Salt Lake City, Utah. I also taught in Heber City, Sandy and South Jordon. I have always loved music and also enjoyed composing.

      Genealogy Mission:

      The missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to our home and taught us about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation. I got baptized, August 17, 1921, at about age thirteen. On September 6, 1927, my parents and their family were sealed in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. They also had their first experience in doing temple work for the dead. Mother was baptized for her mother, grandmother and mother-in-law.

      The Spirit of Elijah touched my heart with a desire to help my ancestors receive their temple blessings. During my late teenage years, I became interested in learning how to do genealogy research. My parents and I did ordinance work for several people on our Strattan line. Mother said she felt the presence of her Grandfather Oliver Strattan who was very happy. One night her Uncle Benjamin Strattan came to her in a dream. He wanted his temple work done, so he could be united with his family. I helped mother gather the required information and sources for the work to be completed.

      My parents understood the great importance of genealogy and temple work. They sacrificed, saved their money and sent me on a research trip to collect genealogical information from our relatives. My first stop was Kit Carson, Colorado. It was a wonderful experience to meet my relatives and make a special connection with their families. My parents were appreciative, my testimony was strengthened and the experience brought me joy.

      I married Florence Todd Taylor, June 15, 1931 in the Salt Lake Temple. Soon afterwards I was called to serve a mission in the North Western States. Florence got a job and financially supported me during my mission. When I returned home, we decided to reserve one day each week to work on genealogy and also scheduled time to attend the temple. This strengthened our marriage and prepared us to better serve the Lord in the future. Many years later when I retired, we were called on a genealogy mission to England from 1969-1971.

      Forgive Others:

      One night after my father passed away, mother saw him in a dream. He was walking up a hill wearing a backpack. Some time later, she saw him again in another dream. He was walking as before, but this time he did not have the backpack. He stopped and called to her from a distance, “Maybelle, take off your backpack!” Then he disappeared. She wondered what he meant.

      Mother told me about the dreams and asked if I had any idea of what father might be trying to tell her. A clear impression came to mind. “Mother, the backpack represents unresolved, negative feelings, which many of us carry around in this world. Dad is trying to help you understand that now is the time to forgive and let go of harbored resentment. Father has resolved his negative feelings and the burden has been lifted from him. He is free to go on with his life. Dad wants you to remember the good things about him and other people, to forgive and forget what has annoyed you.” Mother nodded in thoughtful agreement and said she felt that was exactly what he was trying to say.

  • Sources 
    1. [S101] GEDCOM file imported on 18 Oct 2001.

    2. [S103] GEDCOM file imported on 23 Sep 2002.