Duane Miller’s hat was hung alongside other deceased board members’ on the board room wall June 10 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
The ceremony has taken place as needed since 1970.
The former Sedona resident died Feb. 7 and served on the board of directors for the prestigious museum.
“Founded in 1955, the museum in Oklahoma City collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of our American West,” its website states.
At the hanging of the hat ceremony, his wife Beverly, daughter Katherine Pullen, Sedona artist Curt Walters and several others spoke, praising his life and work in Western and cowboy art.
“I’m pretty sure nobody from Sedona has been honored that way,” Beverly Miller said, adding that she was grateful to all the people who showed up to honor Duane. Many ranch memories were shared as well, including from cowboy artist Bill Nebecker, who knew him personally and professionally.
“In was an honor to participate in the ceremony for me,” Beverly Miller said. “He enjoyed being on that board and serving for 10 years.”
The museum is known for its Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale, which Walters has been in, as well as promoting the work of many cowboy artists local to the Verde Valley.
The current director Steven Karr also came up to speak about Beverly Miller’s husband, she said. She noted that they had donated several pieces of art to the museum.
Miller, who had also made his living selling cattle, horses and land, was involved in several public service efforts. He helped develop the Sedona Racquet Club, served as Governing Board president of Mingus Union High School and various other education boards. He also spent 25 years on the Arizona State Parks board and had a singular honor from his alma mater University of Arizona of having a bobcat named after him.
Beverly Miller said that between 50 and 60 people attended the ceremony.
To learn more about the museum, visit its website.
