Gerald J. Miller

Gerald J. Miller, 84, of Robertsville, Missouri, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri.
He was born on August 30, 1941, to the late Joseph Peter Miller and Augusta Hildebrant. Gerald grew up in Robertsville, Missouri, and began working at an early age with Wisconsin Barge Line as a crane operator and a welder. Later, Gerald worked for Fisher Equipment repairing tractors. It was through that work that he met a client who helped him land a position with the Missouri Department of Transportation, where he proudly served for 24 years before retiring. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades.
On October 10, 1960, Gerald married the love of his life, Shirley Ann (Rieger) Miller, and together they were blessed with seven children: Jerry, Barbara, Dale, Lori, Michelle, Tracey, Tamara. They raised their family in Robertsville and created countless memories together, especially spending time on the river.
Gerald had a deep love for restoring cars, with his Boss Mustang and Studebaker being two of his most prized possessions. He was known for his big sense of humor, his honesty, and his generosity - always willing to lend a hand or the shirt off his back.
A man of faith, Gerald and Shirley attended Calvey Baptist Church in Robertsville, where they enjoyed worship and church picnics with friends and family. He loved the outdoors, tinkering in his free time, and sipping a cup of black coffee. His favorite pastimes included listening to classic country music - especially Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard - and watching old westerns and Gomer Pyle reruns. Gerald also had a love for good food, with Kentucky Fried Chicken, chocolate milkshakes, and carrot cake at the top of his list.
Gerald's life was full of hard work, laughter, and love. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew him.
Gerald is survived by his five children: Jerry Miller of Byrnes Mill, Missouri, Barbara Spence and husband Randy of Robertsville, Missouri, Dale Miller and wife Darlene of Union, Missouri, Tracey Miller and wife Bobbi of Springfield, Missouri, and Tamara Cooper and husband Bill of Sullivan, Missouri; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Johnny Miller and wife Virginia of Lonedell, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Miller; two daughters, Lori Miller and Michelle Miller; two great-grandchildren, Mariah Spence and Joshua Miller; his parents, Joseph and Augusta Miller; nine siblings: Carl Miller, Leonard Miller and Bob Miller, Helen Endicott, Josephine Fisher, Bertha Hayes, Betty Patterson, Mary Gilliam and Viola Harris.
Funeral Services will be 11 AM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Calvey Baptist Church in Robertsville, Missouri with Pastor Bob Almo officiating.
Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Friends may send their online condolences to Gerald's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.