John W Miller

Born April 22, 1927 in College Springs, Iowa to Otis John and Hilda Edith (Reiff) Miller, he married his sweetheart Lola Mae Woodworth on August 8, 1953 in Ewing, Missouri and they shared 60 wonderful years. She passed away on August 10, 2013 in Peoria. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Merle Miller.

Surviving are one daughter, Ruth Tennis of Glasford; one son, Andy (Tina) Miller of Champaign; seven grandchildren, Ian (Jessie) Tennis, Kaitlin (Brandon) Brown, Logan Tennis, Jeremy Tennis, Emily Miller, John Miller, and Grace Miller; and one great-grandson, Titus Brown.

As a boy, John grew up helping on the family farm near Ewing, Missouri, but eventually traveled to all 50 of the United States and several countries.

He was a contractor for many years and owned and operated John W. Miller Construction in Mexico, Missouri, retiring in 2000.

John attended Glasford Baptist Church and was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Champaign. He was a former member of First Baptist Church in Mexico, Missouri where he had served as a deacon and as head of the building and grounds committee for many years.

Although life included many difficulties, John sought joy in each situation. He especially enjoyed telling stories, making others laugh, and spending time with his grandchildren. John enjoyed fishing, electric trains, and working with his hands, especially woodworking.

His funeral will be at noon Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Glasford Baptist Church in Glasford. Pastor Paul Cook and Pastor Wayne Yeager will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the church. Burial will be noon, Wednesday at Ewing Memorial Cemetery in Ewing, Missouri.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Hospice, 2265 West Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com