Donald R. Miles, 82, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away early Monday morning, October 31, 2011 at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita.

Donald R. Miles was born on August 23, 1929 in Winfield, one of four sons of Roy and Anna Miles (Brandt). Don attended Winfield High School where he participated in basketball and more than a little street fighting, according to his brothers. He attended St. John's College briefly following his service in the US Army where he was part of the Japanese occupation force, having received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation of Japan Medal. He joined the military six days after turning eighteen and left early during his senior year at WHS to proudly serve his country.

On November 6, 1949 Don married Marian Gail Launchbaugh, the love of his life, whom he met while attending St. John's College. With Marian he dedicated a lifetime to nurturing three sons; Kirk, Kris, and Kevin.

Don worked with his father Roy and eventually purchased and operated the White Lily Cafe; a renowned greasy spoon, meeting place, and cultural center of Winfield for many years. Filled with farmers and business owners in the morning, high school students at lunch, families and college students in the evening one could be assured of a good ribbing or occasional insult from Don. Of course, Don received as much ribbing and as many insults from his regular patrons as he delivered.

At busy times all 13 stools would be filled with waiting patrons patiently waiting behind eating patrons for their stool to vacate, as well as a line of people out the two front doors.

On one occasion some of his patrons presented Don with a "Community Improvement" award for replacing screens on the doors of the White Lily. Don was presented a "Golden Fly Swatter" and a photo of the "presentation" was placed in the Winfield Courier the next day. Orders were barked to Don verbally from wait staff without use of any documentation. Rumor has it that some patrons frequently wagered on the flip of a coin with Don to determine if they paid double for their meal, or received it free.

Don was one of the first to provide employment to residents of Winfield State Hospital & Training Center and was a longtime advocate and champion of persons with intellectual disability. Besides employing a number of residents from WSH&TC Don was known to provide a meal or pie and coffee to several residents and allow them to "put it on their tab" which Don had no intention of ever collecting.

Sadly, the Winfield landmark came to an end one Monday in the late 80's due to a grease fire. Images in the Winfield Daily Courier showed customers eating their cheeseburgers, standing on the sidewalk and alley, as the White Lily burned to the ground.
Don owned several restaurants in the Winfield area and a steakhouse in Derby, KS during his career. Following the closing of the White Lily Cafe Don owned and operated the Fiesta Grande for a number of years.

Don is preceded in death by his mother and father, wife Marian, and brother Bob. He is survived by his three sons: Kirk and his wife Kathie, Kris and his wife Leslie, and Kevin and his wife Cary; his grandchildren Kory and his wife Laura, Geoffry, Scott, Autumn and her husband Paul Acree, Jason and his fiancé Stacy, and Darcie. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Jennifer and Morgan Acree and two brothers; Stanton and Jim.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Inurnment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Don's name for Friendship Meals in Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.