Mahlon Miller, who founded motorhome manufacturer Newmar Corp. with Marvin Newcomer in 1968, died March 30 at the age of 83, according to an obituary in the South Bend Tribune.
Miller was the president of Holiday Rambler before leaving to found Newmar. He owned Newmar for 35 years before the manufacturer was sold to Winnebago Industries.
According to his obituary, he enjoyed life with many ideas and inventions, hobby farming and spending time with his grandchildren. His obituary said Miller loved playing games with his family and enjoyed sharing his latest joke.
“On behalf of my colleagues at Winnebago Industries, and especially the team at Newmar, we mourn the passing of Mahlon Miller. Mahlon was a devoted family man, a pioneering business leader, community advocate, and icon in the RV industry,” Winnebago Industries President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Happe said. “His work impacted the lives of so many and his reputation for excellence and craftsmanship is unrivalled.”
Miller was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 1998. The Hall said Miller was known as the “father of power slide-outs,” and Miller held patents on a pull-down rock guard, a power awning and the automatic door stop, among others.
He lived in the Nappanee, Indiana area for 60 years and spent winters in Phoenix. His son, Matt Miller, was named president of Newmar Corp. in 2006 and retired from the position in 2021.
“Along with so many others in the industry, we are grateful for Mahlon’s entrepreneurial spirit, passion for innovation, and obsession with building high-quality motor coaches,” Happe said. “Our team works every day to carry on his legacy in every product we build.”
Miller was preceded in death by his wife, the former Irene Helmuth; a son, Mahlon Mark; a granddaughter and great-grandson, six brothers, five sisters and his parents.
He is survived by his children, Linda (Thomas) Mast, Lauranna (Alpha) Miller, Lucretia (Larry) Hochstetler, Matthew (Pam) Miller, Marcus (Debra) Miller and Joyce (Joel) Helmuth.
He is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three sisters.
Miller was an ordained minister. His obituary said he preached with zeal and shared with many people, spiritually and materially.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Nappanee Missionary Church Grand Hall Entrance “D”.
The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at Nappanee Missionary Church Worship Center Entrance “A”. Home Ministry will officiate.
Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Amish Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the Miller family during this difficult time,” Happe said.
