Norman - David Brian Miller, lovingly known by many as "M31," passed away on May 24, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on June 17, 1938, in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Beatrice Elizabeth (Geis) Miller and Millage Clinton Miller II.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Rae Neas, his parents, Beatrice Geis Miller and Millage Clinton Miller II; his sister, Donna Beatrice Miller Mays (Edgar Mays) and son Kevin Berkley Mays; and his brother, Millage Clinton Miller III (wife Kay Hamit Miller Helman survives.) David (during his own college years), his parents and his family and later Clinton's wife, Kay, were credited with the remarkable caregiving that enabled David's brother, Clinton, to achieve a long, successful life as a Bio-Statistician after becoming a quadriplegic after Clinton's first year at the University of Oklahoma Medical School at the age of 22.

David is survived by his sister, Karlyn Del Miller Beauchamp Stephens of Ocean Springs, MS and her children (all of Ocean Springs): son Brian David Stephens, daughter Keri Renee Beauchamp Friedley (Christopher Lee Friedley), Karlyn's sons William Joshua Beauchamp, James Clinton Beauchamp (daughters Jamie Michelle Beauchamp and Beth Muehlstein, Abbott, TX).

David is also survived by the children of Donna and Edgar Mays: Karla Mays Thomas (Peter Thomas) Hot Springs Village AR and daughter Veronica Hansuld Kramer (Michael Kramer), Santa Barbara CA. Daughter Rachael Mays King (Philip King), Golden, CO and daughters, Cameron Elizabeth King, Washington, D.C. and Roslynn Beatrice King, Golden, CO; and David's nephew, Troy Allen Mays (DeeDee Mays), of Boca Raton, FL; his nephew, Beau Justin Mitts of Houston, TX; and his nephew, Brandon Jay Mitts and spouse, Katie Mitts, of Milton, WA, along with their children, Noah, Natalie, and Sarah Mitts. He also leaves behind extended family members, and friends around the world who will cherish his memory.

David spent much of his life dedicated to education and the pursuit of knowledge. He earned his Master's Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed all requirements towards his PhD except for his dissertation. He felt called to address the needs of students at a younger age and devoted his professional career primarily to teaching Advanced Placement Physics and Chemistry to high school students at Classen School of Advanced Studies and Northeast Oklahoma City Public Schools. His passion for science and learning left a lasting impact on all who knew him, but especially on the countless students and parents who through the years returned to honor him and express their appreciation.

Through a mutual science class, Parasitology, David met the love of his life, Barbara Neas, at OU. They dated for eight years prior to marriage when they officially tied the knot on March 29, 1985 at the Justice of the Peace in Okemah, OK. David and Barbara enjoyed over 47 years together. Their love for science, public education, and public service has impacted thousands of lives. Both he and Barbara viewed each of their students, as well as their nieces and nephews, as their own children, preparing them to help make a better world.

David lived a life filled with creativity, music, curiosity, and community involvement. Among his many passions were creating and painting porcelain China taws (shooting marbles) which he signed with his artistic moniker, "M31." He was often seen cheering from the stands with Barbara for the OU women's gymnastics, softball and basketball teams. He loved gardening, carefully tending to and nurturing their backyard garden and turtles, bird watching, astronomy, museums and attending music festivals. David loved music of all kinds and as an avid musician himself, David loved playing banjo and drums with his local music circles including the S Flood St String Band, S Elm St Glee & Perloo Society, Just Us, and most recently, The Music Room. He actively participated in the University of Oklahoma Alumni Band carrying a bass drum for many years, but recently switching to a more manageable triangle. Friends and family who have visited their home have likely, at some point, been handed a drum or other musical instrument to participate in their music or a drum circle. For many years, David and Barbara led fund raising auctions for Red Earth Group, the local Norman group of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Sierra Club, where David's handmade marbles were hot commodities that often led to bidding wars. Often present at protests locally and nationally, he was a political activist in the Democratic Party and labor organizer throughout his career.

David's endearing charm, quick wit, generous spirit and inquisitive and artistic nature made him unforgettable to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at The Depot, 200 S. Jones Avenue, Norman, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the organization, cause, or charity of your choice in his memory. Arrangements are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home.