Earl Joseph Miller

Earl Joseph Miller was born on April 29, 1943, at the Carter Building in Garnett, Kansas. He was the second of five children born to Edward and Christina (Rockers) Miller. Earl and his siblings Edna, Bill, Thelma and Leroy, learned the value of hard work at a very young age by helping with chores on the family farm north of Garnett. One proud moment in Earl's young life involved the purchase of his first car which he co-owned with his sister, Edna. That began a life-long love of cars and trucks-black ones in particular. Earl was a quick learner and enjoyed great times during his four years at Garnett High School. He graduated with the Class of 1961. As a member of the Garnett unit of the National Guard, Earl learned about life and self-discipline. Friendships formed through the Guard unit lasted an entire lifetime. In the mid sixties Earl first made the acquaintance of Martha "Bun" Hughes. Earl and Bun were married on January 21, 1967 at St. John's Church in Greeley, Kansas. The absolute greatest blessing of this marriage was the birth of their beloved daughter, Angie. With a wife and baby to support, Earl often worked two (or three) jobs. His full-time job for many years was with Armco Steel in Independence, Missouri. To supplement their income, Earl worked nights stocking shelves at the Kroger grocery store. When the opportunity arose to purchase a grocery store in Wellington, Missouri in 1973, Earl and Bun took the chance to go into business for themselves. They loved living in the river town of Wellington and made many lifetime friends in that small community. Hard work started to pay off only to be wiped out totally when the store burned to the ground one winter night. After the devastation of the fire, the Millers returned to Garnett. Through kindness of Ray Miles, they were given another chance when they purchased Miles Hardware on the north side of the square in 1974. Earl and Bun worked long hours side by side in the first store before moving into the current building on 59 Highway at the north end of Garnett. The Millers often referred to their customers as their "hardware" family. They prided themselves on personally mowing and maintaining both their store and home. Even after Earl was diagnosed with cancer, he thrived on being at the hardware store alongside the new owner, Mike Blaufuss. The blessing of three grandchildren: Hannah, Brett and Maclaine Sears, completed the joy in Earl's life. He felt privileged to join his daughter Angie, when she traveled to China to adopt Maclaine in early 2004. Earl was preceded in death by his father, Ed Miller; and his brother, Leroy Miller. The following family members survive: his wife, Martha "Bun" Miller of the home; his daughter, Angie Sears and husband Randy and their children, Hannah, Brett and Maclaine of Overland Park, Kansas; his mother, Christina Miller of Garnett, Kansas; one brother, Bill Miller and wife Janice of Greeley, Kansas; two sisters, Edna Foltz and husband Ron of Richmond, Kansas; Thelma Slinkard and husband Ron of Ottawa, Kansas; sister-in-law Roberta Donohue and husband Joe of Greeley, Kansas; brother-in-law Clarence Hughes and wife Sandy of Castle Rock, Colorado; and nieces and nephews, Dan Donohue, Deb Stifter, Meridith Hughes, Geoffrey Hughes, Rod Foltz, Jeff Miller, Ryan Miller, and Katie Bridges. Earl's courage and determination throughout his illness were an inspiration to all who knew him. With his family by his side at home, Earl entered into eternal life on October 1, 2009. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, October 5, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, 205 S. Oak Street, Garnett, Kansas. Friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Saturday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM and Sunday between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. At the request of Earl, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.