John Wayne Miller, 96, of Salina, KS passed away on January 16, 2022, with his two children at his side.
John was born on January 10, 1926, in Peabody, KS, the son of Harry and Iva (Converse) Miller. On February 10, 1946, John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Janet Anderson, in Lyons, KS.
Much of John’s work history involved being in sales – he was proud of his ability to make friends and remember names of those he had done business with.
John enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during his senior year in high school, and though he never saw any action, being a member of the armed forces was something of which he was very proud. He and Jan were married in 1946 shortly after his discharge from the Air Corps, and made their first home in Lyons, Kansas. He was part owner of the first Dairy Queen franchise in Lyons and was Fire Chief on the volunteer fire department. Both children were born in Lyons; the family moved a few times before settling in Wichita, where they lived until John and Jan’s retirements in 1986. Their new home became Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they loved playing golf, being active with a large circle of friends, both in their church and in the community. John created some amazing woodworking projects; he and Jan remained in Bella Vista until moving to Salina in 2012 to be closer to family. They were residents of Salina Presbyterian Manor and enjoyed many happy years there before health concerns required them to reside in healthcare.
Survivors include his wife, Jan, of nearly 76 years; two children, Susan Grosser (Craig), of Salina, KS; and Gregg Miller (Pam), of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Ryan Crist (Kristin), of Abilene, KS; Adam Crist (Brandy), of Lincoln, NE; Erin Bryant (Matt), of Omaha, NE; Jami Grosser (Shelbi Long), of Sonoma, CA; Hayley Grosser, of Wichita, KS; Lyndi Cox (Vincent) of Topeka, KS; Lance Miller (Hollie), of Wichita, KS; great grandchildren Olivia and Ava Crist; Connor Crist; Emily, Megan, and Tanner Bryant; Lauren and Keaton Cox; Emree and Gracyn Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two sisters.
Cremation was chosen and a reception for family and friends will be held at a later date.
The family would like to give special recognition to the wonderful, compassionate care John received from the staff at Salina Presbyterian Manor and Kindred Hospice. We are totally humbled by the outpouring of support and love from these heroes and angels.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Salina Presbyterian Manor Employee Christmas Fund, in care of Salina Presbyterian Manor, 2601 E. Crawford St., Salina, KS 67401. Please designate “Employee Fund”