Joseph Anthony Miller

March 9, 1936 - January 2, 2016

Joseph Anthony Miller, age 79 of Monett, MO passed from this life to his heavenly father on January 2, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Joseph was born March 19, 1936 in Olpe, KS. He was the youngest child of 11 to John Henry Miller and Catherine Elizabeth (Hagemann) Miller. Joe grew up in Monett as a young child going to St. Joseph school and graduating from Monett High School. He enlisted in Patton's 3rd Army Division and was sent to Germany. He became a Staff Sergeant. He then was in the reserves. Joe later joined the Knights of Columbus. Through Joe's association with M.E. Gillioz, he started as a custodian in Gillioz Bank and worked himself up to Senior Vice President. He worked closely with Jack Henry, Les Mason, Jack Fox, Jerry Sebastian and the Fuldners. At the (Gillioz)/UMB Bank for 37 years. He also found time to be a Boy Scout advisor and to spend time with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, camper, gardener and loved to travel, but most of all Joe just loved people. Joe had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. He built a large grotto in his backyard in her honor. Joseph was the parish council president for St. Lawrence Church and co-owner of an import antique shop in Texas for many years. Joseph is survived by his wife Ester of 56 years. His children: Cristi Velten (Jake), Joseph W. Miller, Mark Miller (Janice), Sister Valerie Miller, SCN, all of Monett and John Miller (Rosie) of Pierce City. He also has 6 grandchildren. Rosary will be on January 7, 2016, at 6:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO. Visitation will follow until 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett, MO on Friday, January 8, 2016, at 11:00 AM with Father Henry Grodecki, CM officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Monett, MO. All services are under the direction of Lakin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic School or St. Mary's Catholic School.