J.O. Miller Jr., age 94, passed away December 31, 2023 in Columbia, MO after a brief battle with Alzheimer's.

Born October 27, 1929 in Benton County MO to Rev. Jacob Miller and Mary Rife Miller, he married Sue Townsend, who was the love of his life, on August 21, 1949.  Yes, that's more than 74 years!  After graduating from Kingsville High School J.O. achieved multiple degrees including a Bachelors from UCM, then known as Central Missouri State College, and an Ed.D from Oklahoma State University.  Dr. Miller was an Associate professor of Education at UCM until his retirement in 1992 with 30 years of service.

The First Baptist Church of Warrensburg was an integral part of his life in which he remained active for over 60 years, serving in several leadership roles until November 2022 when he and Sue moved to Columbia to be near their daughter Renetta and her husband Ben.

He really enjoyed hunting and found great delight hunting with his trusty dogs and his hunting buddies.  Of course, crappie fishing with Sue on Truman Lake was equally joyful.  His wood carving demonstrated a truly artful skill with a 3-foot tall Native American Chief in full headdress a crowning achievement.  He never found a book he didn't want to read.  He was a delightful story teller sharing fond memories of childhood,  an avid supporter of all UCM sports and never missed a game. Go Mules and Jennies!

He is survived by his wife Sue, his daughter Renetta Gallup (Ben), two grandchildren Robert Gallup (Kari Fields) and Megan Smith (Chris) and three great grandsons Owen, Wyatt and Colton Smith (J.O. was able to enjoy a game of balloon toss with Colton, age 18 months, just a week before he passed), sister-in-law Lavene Lewis, nephews Bill Lewis, Mark Lewis, niece Joyce Pruessner Richards, nephew Cap Pruessner, and several great-nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold, his sister Lucile Pruessner, brother in laws Swede Pruessner and Ed Lewis, and niece Sharon Mullin.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church Warrensburg.