Carleton Richard Miller Jr.

Born on February 12, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, Moose's life journey was marked by an indomitable spirit, a joyful demeanor, and an unwavering sense of dedication to his family and friends.

In his early life, Moose enjoyed playing stickball on the streets of Brooklyn where he was given the name “Moose” by his buddies. He attended Franklin K. Lane High School, where he developed his love for baseball. After graduating in 1949, he carried his love for baseball to Seton Hall University, where as a walk-on he earned a scholarship as a center fielder for the Pirates while also being a member of the ROTC program. After graduation in 1953, he joined the Army as an MP and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany where he continued to played baseball for the Kaiserslautern team.

At the end of his Military Service in 1956, Moose began a new chapter of his life at Western Electric (AT&T) as a Buyer in New York City. His strong work ethic and dedication saw him rise in the ranks, eventually moving to Kansas City in 1960 to open a new factory. Moose would proudly call KC his home for the next sixty years. Moose’s 42-year career with AT&T ended on a high note in 1999, serving as a human resources and labor relations manager, where he was revered for his empathy, understanding, and his ability to harmonize relationships between management and staff.

While his professional journey is commendable, it is his personal life that truly embodied the man he was. In 1957, on the sandy shores of Rockaway Beach, he met Mary Jane Ryan, the woman who would become his partner in every sense of the word. A year later, on November 22, they solidified their bond in marriage, a bond that was cherished and nurtured until his last day.

Moose and Mary Jane raised their family in Kansas City, where Moose was very active in St. Catherine’s Church and was President of the Rockhurst High School Father’s Club.

In 1995, his beloved wife Mary Jane passed away. After Mary Jane’s passing, Moose found solace in a newfound passion: golf. His love affair with the white ball saw him travel the world and connect with his family and friends. In 2018, he moved to Oklahoma City to be close to family and continued to enjoy the game of golf and newfound friendships.

Moose's optimism, positivity, hope, and happiness will be remembered most. He was a lover of life, a life-long learner, and an eternal optimist. Moose was one of those rare souls who would light up any room with his presence, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.

The legacy he leaves behind is vast, almost as vast as his nickname, "Moose," would suggest. To know Moose was to experience love in its purest form, and his departure leaves an unfillable void in our hearts. As we bid him a sorrowful goodbye, we carry forward his spirit of hope and positivity, cherishing the time we had with him and the memories that will forever bring a smile to our faces.

Moose enjoyed a life well-lived, full of love, joy, and endless optimism. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Jane, parents, sister, and his greatly missed grandson Scotty Zornes. He is survived by his three children, Carleen Elmer and her husband Mike, Mam Zornes and her husband Scott and Carleton (Mickey) Miller and his partner Julia Wellborn. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, their six spouses and his ten great grandchildren.

Moose will be laid to rest next to his wife Mary Jane in Kansas City, Missouri in a private family service.

In lieu of flowers and donations, grab your favorite beverage and have a toast to Moose.

Carpe Diem!