Col. Justus Karl Miller

Col. Justus Karl Miller, of Columbia, passed away March 27, 2016 at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Memorial Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm with service to follow.

Col. Justus Karl Miller was born on June 21, 1935 in Shenandoah, Iowa. Graduating from University of Missouri in June 1957, he entered the Marin Corps and completed his officer training at Quantico, Virginia. Commissioned a second lieutenant in July 1957, Colonel Miller was initially assigned as a platoon commander with the 3d Battalion, 6th Marines. During the ensuing years, he served as a Combat Cargo Officer aboard an APA, a company commander, battalion executive officer, battalion commander, regimental executive officer and general staff officer, and the Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations for a Marine Amphibious Brigade. He also served in special assignments as Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, and Senate and House of Representatives Liaison Officer. Colonel Miller has completed two tours of duty in the Republican of Vietnam as a company commander and battalion executing office of the 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. He has performed duties commensurate with his rank in units ranging in size and mission from an infantry company to a Marine Amphibious Force.

Prior to his last active duty assignment as Commanding Officer Marine Barracks Guam, Colonel Miller was the Chief of Staff, 2d Force Service Support Group. Following his retirement after four years on Guam, he joined the Staff of Marine Military Academy as Commandant of Cadets in November 1988.

Colonel Miller’s personal decorations included the Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and two gold stars; the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”; the Purple Heart Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Karl returned to Columbia in 1991 where he went to work with the Parks and Recreation department. He volunteered at the VA Hospital and was parade boss for Salute to Vets on Memorial Day for 12 years. He was a member of the Marine Corps League in Jefferson City, the Columbia VFW Post, M.O.W.A. Military Off. Association of American Post President, and a past president of Pachyderm.

Colonel Miller married the former Artie Pender of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and together they had three sons: Randolph, Daryl and Jeffrey.

Karl enjoyed Mizzou football and baseball but loved the Mizzou Basketball Lady Tigers. Even more so, he loved his wife and three sons and his daughter-in-law Christina; his three grandchildren Anna, Joshua, and Adam; and his 3 great grandchildren William, Erin and Angelina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Wardrobe 715 Park Ave, Columbia, MO 65201.