John Albert Miller

John was born on October 1, 1932 in Foster, Mo., to Irene “Susie” Coyne and Eugene Miller. He graduated in 1949 from Rich Hill (Mo.) High School. From 1952 until 1954, he served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

John worked more than 35 years with Peabody Coal Company as a coal preparation plant manager. After retirement in 1992, he was engaged in managing the family farm in Bates County, Missouri while enjoying the out-of-doors, hunting and fishing with friends and family. John loved to fry fish for large family gatherings. He also enjoyed raising American Foxhounds for many years.

Like his father and both his grandfathers, John was a 32nd degree Freemason and full Member of the Scottish Rite in Foster, and a member of the American Legion in Rich Hill.

In 1960 John was married to Wilma (Droz) Miller in Butler, Mo. John and Wilma have made their home in Columbia since 1970.

He is survived by his wife, of Columbia; four children, Teresa (Brand) Eskew of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Scott (Stephanie) Ellis, Stuart Miller, and Suzanne (Jay) Gebhardt, all of Columbia: four grandchildren, Brett (Jason) Eavenson of Steamboat Springs Colo., John Eskew and Matthew Eskew, both of Lee’s Summit; Adrianna (Bruce) Kennedy of Asheville, N.C. and two great grandsons Ellis Eavenson and Bridger Eavenson, both of Steamboat Springs.

A family graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery.

A sign in book will be available outside Memorial’s east side of the building to pay respects from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, 1 Veterans Dr, Mexico, MO, 65265.