Joseph Charles “J.C.” Miller, 86, of Franklin passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove.

J.C. was born May 30, 1938, in rural Howard County, the son of Russell and Dimple (Blair) Miller.  He attended Clarks Chapel School and New Franklin High School.  J.C. married LaVaughn Watts on January 1, 1964, at Immanuel UCC in New Franklin.  They were happily married for 41 years until LaVaughn’s death in 2005.

J.C. was a farmer his entire life and sold Pioneer seed for many years before passing the business to his son.  He was easy to find at Katy Manor because he was never without his bright green Pioneer cap.  When J.C. wasn’t farming, he loved “going for a ride” and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He never met a stranger and the clerks at Casey’s, where he got his daily coffee and donut, knew him by name.

J.C. was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife LaVaughn, sister Shirley Carignan and brother-in-law Martin Carignan.  He is survived by his daughter Julie (Tim) Kueckelhan of Boonville, son Joe Miller of Franklin, granddaughter Morgan (Chris) Hawley of Kingsville, MO, grandsons Jared Kueckelhan and Justin (MaKenzie) Kueckelhan of Boonville, along with two great-grandsons, Jace and Steele Hawley of Kingsville, MO.  He is also survived by his brother Larry (Lois) Miller of Franklin.

J.C.’s family would like to thank The Lodge in Fayette, Katy Manor in Pilot Grove, and the wonderful nurses from Hometown Homecare in Fayette for their loving and compassionate care of J.C. for the past 30 months.

There will be a private burial in Clark’s Chapel Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 5, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at St. Johns United Church of Christ, 14191 Billingsville Road, Boonville, MO.  Memorials are suggested to Clark’s Chapel Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Online condolences may be left here.