He was born on Nov. 14, 1938, in Bend, Ore., to Virgil Earl and Birta Luthishia (France) Miller. He was raised and attended public schools in Portland, Ore.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 18, 1956, in Portland. He served his country proudly for 3 1/2 years before being honorably discharged in 1960 in San Diego.
He married Linda Diane (Carver) West on March 20, 1974, in Erie. She survives of Parsons.
He was employed for a brief time as a welder with Chanute Manufacturing in Chanute. He also spent a brief time working as a long-distance truck driver. Later in life, he began a career with Wal-Mart, working as a greeter in Parsons. He thoroughly loved this role, viewing it more as an opportunity to minister to people and bring a smile to their faces.
Failing health required John to leave his career at Wal-Mart and move to Noble to be close to his son, John West. He remained a resident there until his death.
John was a simple and quiet man who was very proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. Anytime an individual approached him and thanked him for the service he gave to America, John became teary-eyed. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Other survivors include his stepfather, Virgil Wanless Sr. of Portland, Ore.; three sons, John Miller, Johnny Lonnie West of Noble, Okla., and Toby Allen Miller of Parsons; three daughters, Sherry Miller, Teresa Lynn Barnett of Commerce, Ga., and Tina Marie Plummer of Parsons; a brother, Virgil Wanless Jr. of Seattle; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Tonya Sue Miller.
The service with military honors will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at The Chapel of the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St., Norman, Okla.
Online condolences may be left at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.
Post a Comment