Richard E. Miller
1948-2011
Rock Port, Missouri

Richard Eugene “Dick” Miller, the son of Lena Maxine (Bilby) and Wallace Miller, was born July 2, 1948 in Maryville, Missouri. He grew up on a farm east of Tarkio and attended Happy Hill and Morning Star schools in rural Atchison County, Missouri. Richard graduated from Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri, in 1966. Following graduation, he enrolled in Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska where he earned a degree in Automobile Mechanics. In 1968, Richard was inducted into the United States Army and was assigned to the 377th Light Maintenance Company near Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, as an automotive mechanic. Before and after serving in Vietnam, Richard was employed by Clark Ford-Mercury in Rock Port. He later opened his own mechanic business, Miller Automotive, which he continued as Rock Port Automotive, Inc., until his death. Richard passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the age of 63, after a valiant fight with cancer.

On August 12, 1972, he married Jacqueline (Jackie) Bergman, and the couple raised their two children, Tessa and Micah in Rock Port.

Richard is survived by his wife and son Micah Jeremy of Rock Port, and daughter Tessa Rae who lives in St. Joseph with her husband Andrew Schweder and sons Kaden Richard and Blake Timothy. Richard’s first grand-daughter, Ava Elizabeth, could be born at any moment. He is also survived by his sisters: Patricia Ann Marteney of Riley, Kansas, Sandra Sue Shelton and husband Darrell of Princeton, Missouri, Annette Kay Gude and husband Greg of Olsburg, Kansas; a brothers-in-law Richard Marteney of Wamego, Kansas and Marc Bergman of Arkansas; step-siblings Paul and Pat of Fort Worth, Texas. Richard was greatly loved and admired by many cousins, aunts, uncles, and 3 generations of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-father Otis Monk, step-mother Edith Miller, and a step-sister Peggy Monk.

Richard was a member of the First Baptist Church, Allen-Schiffern American Legion Post #199, both of Tarkio, Slo Rollers Car Club of NW MO, and the NRA. His many interests included gardening, music, restoration of vintage cars and trucks, tractors, hunting, target shooting, fishing, enjoying wildlife and the great outdoors, spending time at the family farm, building projects, any mechanical challenge, and all activities and time spent with his family and his many good friends.

Memorial Service:
1:00 P.M., Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.
A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
There is no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Richard Miller Scholarship for Automotive Education.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.