Eugene "Gene" Anthony Miller, aged 94, of Rushville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in Atchison, Kansas. Born on December 28, 1929 in Troy, Kansas. Gene was the beloved son of the late Josephine and Joseph Miller. In his early years, he attended Pleasant Ridge School, a one-room schoolhouse, but left to help his family on the farm during hard times.
Gene proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict as part of the Military Police, where he trained as a fingerprint specialist. On July 22, 1961, he married Shirley Bradford Sanger, with whom he shared a loving life.
Gene was a dedicated farmer, a puzzle master, and a great dancer who enjoyed playing cards. He loved visiting with fellow farmers at the local barber shop, and was known for his grand storytelling, infectious laugh, and great jokes. Above all, he cherished his family deeply.
He was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church, and a 25-year member of the Rushville Lion's Club, where he supported the Bike-a-Thon fundraisers.
Gene is survived by his wife, Shirley Elaine Miller; his children, Vicki (Doug) Hickman, Brenda (Ron Scamurra) Miller, Brian (Shannon) Miller, and Regina "Gina" (Michael) Hunt; his grandchildren, Ashley, Lyndsey, Whitney, Cole, Brady, Riley, Jacque, Zach, Isabel, Henry, Michelle, and Morgan; and his great-grandchildren, Mack, Miles, Maggie, Camden, Carter, Khylan, Judah, Caleb, Weston, Benjamin, Lucas, Grayson, Nathan, and Baby Waller #2 on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Georgia Hampton and Alvera Bartkoski, and his brothers, Ray (Theresa) Miller, Alfred (Pat) Miller, and Don Miller, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Genevieve (Ora) Mehan, Esther (John) Saxton, Henrietta (Del) Fortney, and JoAnn (George) Sittenauer, his brother-in-law, Al Bartkoski, his sister-in-law, Donna Miller, and his great-granddaughter, Paylynn Spencer.
The Rosary will be recited at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 29, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends following the Rosary until 8:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, with Celebrant Father Jonathan Davis. Interment will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Saturday.
