Thomas J Miller

Thomas J. Miller, 86, entered the gates of Heaven, Tuesday March 19, 2019 at the University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, MO.

Born July 19, 1932 in Sedalia, MO, Tom was the son of Edward and Agnes (Young) Miller. He grew up in Georgetown, MO. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Carolyn Louise (Horton) Miller. Together they had two children, Denise L. Swearingin (Van) of Sedalia, MO and Joseph R. Miller (Tammy) of Ashland, MO; six grandchildren Lauren Kile (Kody), Logan Miller, Addison Miller, Kaitlyn Swearingin and Ryan Swearingin. He is also survived by two siblings, Dwight R. Miller and Laura Griffin (both of Sedalia).

Three siblings, Marilyn Duzan, Loretta Baessler and David Miller, preceded Tom in death.

Tom was a graduate of the Smith-Cotton Class of 1950. He was a proud member of the United States Navy, serving 4 years (1952-1956) on the USS Newport News Heavy Cruiser. He was honorably discharged as an E-5 Second Class Engineman. In 1955, Tom attended auction school in Mason City, IA. He enjoyed an active career as a graduate auctioneer, holding auctions in and around Sedalia for many years. He was a Missouri Pacific (and later Union Pacific) Railroad employee machinist until he retired in 1993 as the mechanical foreman. He also served as Union Officer for many years.

Tom was an active member of First United Methodist Church from 1962 to present. He was a member of Voiture 333, 40 & 8, American Legion 520 (La Monte, MO). He was also a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge 272 and was a founding member of the Trails End Committee. Tom spent many years serving others, including donating auctioneer services for the Georgetown Lord Acres sale for nearly 60 years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers Fan.

Visitation will be held Friday evening March 22, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church (Celebration Center). The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Jim Downing, Jr. and Pastor Scott Griffin, will be Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the church. The service will include a 40 & 8 Tribute. A Masonic service will precede the funeral service at 9:30 a.m. Family suggests memorials to the building fund of the new First United Methodist Church on Thompson Boulevard.

Burial will be in the La Monte Cemetery, La Monte, MO with American Legion Post 520 and the United State Navy conducting full military honors at the graveside.

Pallbearers will be nephews Roger Miller, Kent Miller, John Miller, Joe Reser and grandsons Kody Kile and Ryan Swearingin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be George Whitman, Don Barbour, Ernie Parker, Melvin Ficken, Herb Mittlehauser, Joseph Heck, Bill Neff, and Charlie Opfer.

The family suggests you wear red, Tom’s favorite color, to the services.