John W. Miller, 84, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 9:03 a.m., Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana, IL

Graveside Services with military graveside rites accorded will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Tuscola Township Cemetery with the Rev. Patty Johansen officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL.

Mr. Miller was born at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola on March 18, 1928. He was the son of William H. and Pearl E. Bachert Miller. John married Jeanne Root in her parent's home in Tuscola on December 25, 1950. She survives.

Also left behind are his daughters, Julie (Patrick) Tomlinson of Mt. Zion, Jacki (Bill) Burchett of Camargo, four grandchildren: Sarah Tomlinson of Mt. Zion, Amanda (Todd) Zentefis of Spingfield, Nicole Burchett of Tuscola and Nathan Burchett of Villa Grove; two great-grandchildren: Lanie and Braiden Burchett both of Tuscola.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter: Jeri.

John graduated from Tuscola Community High School in 1946 and went on to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Later, he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served 2 ½ years primarily with the 196th Regimental Combat Team.

Following his service, John worked for CIPS for 42 years as a lineman, division foreman and dispatcher.

He was a member of the Tuscola United Methodist Church, a worshipful master for the Tuscola Masonic Lodge #332, AF & AM, past commander of the Militia Commandery #37, Knights Templar and the American Legion.


In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4507 North Sterling Ave., Suite 210, Peoria, IL 61615

Dad loved his family and always put our needs ahead of his own. We will miss you always.

Online condolence to the family may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com