D. R. Miller, Founder of many circuses, including Carson & Barnes 5-Ring Circus passed away Wednesday, September 8th, 1999 in McCook, Nebraska.
Born on August 27th, 1916 in Smith County, Kansas, DR, as a very small boy, traveled with his family to see his first circus, which happened to be the John Robinson Circus playing in McCook, Nebraska.

Bitten by the magic of that first circus, DR’s father started his own show with just a dog and a pony in the early 20’s.This love of circus and traveling became DR’s way of life as he criss-crossed the United States many times in his 83 years. A life-partnership was formed with Isla Marie Beach Miller, when he was 17 and she was 15. Together they made an impact on the circus business that will be felt for several generations.