Miller was the station's principal weathercaster on the weekday 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts until December 1985, when Tom Dye moved over from KOLR-TV. Miller then gave the weathercasts at noon and 6 while Dye was on at 10. Later, Miller worked part-time, presenting weather forecasts on weekend newscasts until his full retirement in 1995.

You could try to sum up Fred Miller in one word.

”There's a term that's not used very much anymore and that's gentleman, and he really was a gentleman -- a class guy, a funny guy,” said longtime KY3 News weekend sports anchor Joe Hickman.

His friends and his co-workers say one word's not enough.

"I don't think anyone ever heard a cross word out of Fred Miller,” said longtime KY3 News anchor Lisa Rose.

That easy-going demeanor grew from his hometown of Marshall, Mo. After his time as a weather forecaster for the Navy, his voice hit the radio airwaves and then television screens across the Ozarks.

Along with his love of weather came his love of a laugh.

"One time we were on the air and our graphics were not working and, for the sports graphics, I said, ‘Fred, why don't you do it?’” said Hickman.

From "strike finally over" to “women's college basketball,” Miller peered over Hickman’s shoulder with an appropriate mask or prop.

"He is representing the sport that I was talking about, and that's just the way he was,” said Hickman.

More often than not, the smile on his face came from the joy of his family.

"He was always so proud of Merle, his wife and his two kids, and I loved that about him,” said Rose.

Now his loss is shared by both his families.

“He's one of the originals; he's what made KY3 great,” said Rose.

The funeral is at noon Monday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 W. Republic Road, Springfield, where Miller and his wife are longtime members. Both used to sing in the choir there.
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Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, in his role as acting governor with Gov. Matt Blunt out of the country, sent this letter on Friday to Miller's family.

July 18, 2008

Dear friends:

Today we honor a man who has touched the lives of many throughout the Ozarks for over 30 years.

Fred won the hearts of faithful viewers and listeners with his weather forecasts on KY3 beginning in 1961. His personable demeanor and witty banter was admired by all until his retirement from the air waves in 1995. Even after his retirement, his family and colleagues would always reflect on his laugh, his smile, his humor, and just how much of a genuine man he was and how he will always be remembered.

Today we mourn the loss of such a man, who set an example for so many to emulate. However, we also honor and celebrate the life of Fred, for his faithful service to not only those who tuned in to his forecasts but to his service to these United States. Before coming to the airwaves in the Ozarks, Fred honorably served in the U.S. Navy as a weather forecaster.

As Acting Governor, and on behalf of Governor Blunt, myself, and all those Fred touched, we will remember his life, his spirit, and most of all, his love for his family. I know Fred’s legacy will never be forgotten, and the community touched by Fred’s faith and dedication will be forever grateful for having known such a great man.

It is my honor, on behalf of all Missourians, to present this Declaration in memory of Fred to his loving wife Merle, his daughters Janice and Candace, and the entire KY3 family.

Whenever the sun is shining, remember Fred and the warmth he shared just as the sunny forecasts he predicted.

Warmest Regards,

PETER D. KINDER
Lieutenant Governor