John Miller was born June 24, 1938, at St. John Hospital in Tulsa Oklahoma, to John Davis Miller and Nina Elizabeth (Croke) Miller and was an only child.

John was raised up in Boston Avenue Methodist Church, and attended Tulsa public schools, graduating from Central High School in 1956. He continued his education at Rice University in Houston, Texas, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting. The United States Army sent him to further his education at Babson College near Boston, Massachusetts, where he earned his MS in business marketing and analysis.

John and Rhea Ellison met in junior high school in 1951, and the rest is history. Memories were built over 71 years. The two married in 1958, and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on June 4, 2022. This long, happy marriage resulted in 4 children; Charley, Susan, Ann and Bill; 8 grandchildren, and 11.5 great-grandchildren.

John entered the U.S. Army in 1962 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordinance Corps. and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the time he retired honorably in 1982. During his military career, John was awarded numerous commendations which include the Legion of Merit, 3 bronze stars, an Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medals and Army Commendation medals. John also taught graduate level math courses to military service members.

In his spare time, John was a voracious reader, participated in ham radio competitions, and worked in his woodworking shop. He and Rhea traveled every chance they could. Being a military service member, he truly was able to see the world. While stationed in Heidelberg Germany, he enjoyed volksmarching - a German hiking organization. John was involved with the Boy Scouts with Charley and Bill. John was also a military historian and shared his knowledge with his family by exposing them to EVERY SINGLE BATTLEFIELD in the United States. Susan and Ann could only be convinced it would be fun, if they were guaranteed there would be a gift shop at the end of the tour.

After Army retirement, John continued to use his logistical skills while working for the Navajo Nation and as a government contractor in the Middle East and Hungary. These locations afforded him and Rhea yet another opportunity to travel to new locations (and battlefields).

John was an active Freemason for over 50 years. He was a Past Master of Owasso Lodge 545 where he also served as Secretary for many years. He was also an active York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason and a past presiding officer in most of them. He served as the Grand Secretary for the Oklahoma York Rite Bodies for several years.


Funeral Service will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233