John F. Miller

John F. Miller, born May 15, 1938 in Springfield, IL., son of Clarence F. and Clara Madeline Rohrer Miller. John was the oldest of 3 brothers predeceased, Marvin, Walter Joe, and Dennis.

Survived by his wife, Clara M. Miller, and 6 children. Greg Miller (Sarita) of Zacapa, Guatemala, Nancy (Chuck) Wilkins of Lincoln, IL, Laura (Mike) Owens of Cottontown, TN, Brian Miller of Springfield, IL, Rick (Terri) Draughan of Cantrall, IL and Doug (Heather) Draughan of Salt Lake City, Utah. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John graduated from Feitshans High School in 1957 along with first wife Arlene Lowry (deceased). He atteneded Chaffey College in Cucamonga, Calif. USC colleges in California. Also graduated from the ALLC School at Eastern Kentucky University. He worked for the Kaiser Steel Corp. in Fontana, Calif. for 14 years as a Metallurgical Supervisor, 4 years as a plant manager at Ideal Industries in Petersburg, IL. Fiat – Allis 5 years as a production scheduler, and then 19 years at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield as a Director of Laundry and Housekeeping. The Laundry Dept. at the hospital was the 2 ^nd largest institutional laundry in the state of Illinois, outside of Chicago. He acquired and negotiated 7 outside hospitals in Illinois to provide over the road linen service to during his tenure at St. John’s.

He was a member of National Association of Institutional Laundry Managers for 20 plus ears. He was a founder of the Illinois Land of Lincoln Chapter of Institutional Laundry Managers.

John was the recipient of many awards and national recognition for his contribution to his trade. He was sent around the U.S. by the hospital and his association as a consultant and speaker in his field. He was the author of many published articles in national trade journals throughout the U.S. He often spoke to groups of linen manufacturers and sales staff on the particular need for specialty hospital linens and surgical drapes.

John along with two other men, Pastor Evan Bainum and Bill Cash, planted Baptist churches in Central Illinois.

He was an active member of Park Meadows Baptist Church in Lincoln, IL, for more than 30 years. He was also an active member of FitClub West for over 30 years, and after his retirement in 2001, he taught water aerobics to Senior Citizens for 10 years. He volunteered as a computer teacher for seniors at 3 ^rd Age Living for many years. Occasionally taught Bible Lessons at various senior citizen high rises and nursing homes.

While a Director at St. John’s Hospital, he had a servant’s heart for his staff of over 200. He made it a habit of going through the hospital each morning and personally greeting every employee on his staff. He had an open door policy for any of his staff whenever he was available. After retirement, he continued using some of his time and skills as a servant to senior citizens wherever he found them. His wife Clara was also a servant to many older folks.

John was one of several men in various Steel Mills across the U.S. who calculated and wrote the Metallurgical Formula for his company to produce the steel used to construct the Arch in St. Louis. He physically helped pour the molten steel fresh from the furnaces at Kaiser Steel Corp. in Calif. Then followed the processing of the 25,000 lb. ingots through the rolling mills where they were made into the girders for construction. The structure had to be able to withstand the torturous winds and have the flexibility to withstand heat and cold during all weather conditions as it majestically rose above the Mississippi River in St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West”.

Memorials can be made to “Park Meadows Baptist Church” in Lincoln. 800 Memorial Park Road, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Private graveside services have been accorded.