William "Nick" Miller

William Nicholas Miller, 59, of Leasburg MO, lovingly known as Nick or Nicky by family, friends, and the community, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10th, 2025 in the ICU of Mercy Hospital St. Louis, after spending his final moments surrounded by loved ones.
He was born October 23, 1965 in Sullivan, MO to loving parents Bill and Martha (Keogh) Miller. They later moved to Bourbon, MO where he remained throughout his early years, graduating from Bourbon High in 1984.
On March 17, 1990 he married his best friend Patricia (Tricia) Lawson. Together they welcomed three children into the world, William (Billy) Miller, Maria Miller, and Anthony (Tony) Miller. After spending time building their family in Spring Bluff, MO, they had homes in Sullivan, MO, and Bourbon, MO, before finally settling down in Leasburg, MO where he resided until the time of his passing. Nick and Tricia later divorced but still lovingly remained close friends. In 2024, he was blessed with a granddaughter, Sienna, who he loved and adored.
Nick dedicated 23 years of his life to serving the community through his time working for Sullivan EMS. He began his employment with Sullivan EMS as an EMT. Eventually he advanced his career and became a paramedic, remaining with Sullivan EMS. A few years after, he took the next step in his career and became EMS Chief for Sullivan's ambulance service. He grew with the company as they grew, always advocating for his coworkers and employees, helping to make the company better as a whole. He wore many hats during his time as a BJC employee. Throughout his time working for Sullivan EMS, Nick mentored many new EMT's just beginning their careers. He was a dedicated public servant who saved countless lives, and lead many others in doing the same. On November 1st, 2020, Nick retired from Sullivan EMS. He then began working at Cowtown USA in Cuba, MO as a powersports salesman. He loved connecting with so many members of the community through Cowtown, as well as building close relationships with his coworkers. He remained employed by Cowtown through to the time of his passing.
Nick was an incredibly selfless, caring, and inspiring man. He had a kind heart and would help anyone in need, in any way he could. He was a great friend to many. He dedicated his life to his family, and everything he did - he did for them. Nick was always willing to lend a listening ear, give great advice, and a good laugh. Nick had a wonderful sense of humor. It was rare to have an interaction with him that didn't involve a few jokes. During his time with Sullivan EMS you could often find him pulling practical jokes on others. A simple conversation with this man could put a smile on your face even in the most difficult times. He loved and protected his loved ones fiercely. He lived his life with good morals, dedication to his family and community, and a mission to make people smile. Nick will always be an inspiration to us all, and his memory will be carried on through the countless lives he touched. Nick was an avid outdoorsman, often spending his free time hunting and fishing. He enjoyed long drives through the countryside, usually listening to an STL Cardinals game, as he was a lifelong fan.
Nick will be thoroughly missed by his friends, family, and the community as a whole.
Nick is survived by his mother, Martha Hardecke, of Columbia, MO; four sisters, Olive Breece and husband Steve of Rossville, GA, Debbie Miller of Columbia, MO, Kristi Naugle and husband Leonard of Columbia, MO, and Lori Allen and husband Steve of St. James, MO; his children, Billy Miller and wife Jessica of Sullivan MO, Maria Miller of Leasburg, MO, and Tony Miller of Leasburg, MO; a granddaughter, Sienna Modesitt of Leasburg, MO; his ex-wife, Tricia Lawson of St. Clair, MO, along with many other relatives and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving father, Bill Miller of Bourbon, MO.
Funeral Services will be 1 PM, Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Vicar Steve Allen officiating. Interment will be held privately following the service.
Visitation will be 10 AM – 1 PM, Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation.
Friends may send their online condolences to Nick's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Nick" Miller, please visit our floral store.