Charles Otis Miller of Kingman, KS, passed away on October 8th, after an epic fight against cancer that he won once, over a decade ago, then won again this second time when he went to join his very large extended spiritual family, and to learn the answers to all of the mysteries of this world and this life that he found so amazing. His fight was a lesson in toughness for us all.

Charles was the oldest of 6 siblings and was born to Harold and Clara Cowles Miller on October 26, 1938. His sisters, Trudy Miller and Marilyn Newlon, passed away before Charles, and his surviving siblings are Louise Cook, Ed Miller and Gene Miller.

He was proud to be the first member of his family to graduate from the local "8-grades/1-room" school he first attended, and then went on to graduate from Goddard High School and Friends University, where he received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus in Industrial (Agricultural) Technology, in 1960. He worked as a Farmer during all of his school years, and actually was technically a Farmer his entire life, from the time he was big enough to carry water to chickens, through last Saturday when he made arrangements to plant garlic bulbs he'd just mail-ordered.

Charles was an early computer programmer and draftsman at Cessna and a proud member of the U.S. Army National Guard for 8 years.

He married Ruth Krenek in 1962 and they set a great example for younger generations -- their last anniversary was their 54th!

Charles and Ruth raised two sons, Brian and Neil, who try to carry the sense of curiosity and wonder forward that their parents instilled in them.

Charles started taking garden produce to the church each Sunday to share with others at "Jacob's Table". This effort became a labor of love that kept Charles active and involved as he worked to serve & help others, even as his physical health made it a challenge. To him, it was a way he could help & connect his friends, neighbors, and anyone who liked garden-fresh produce. He very much hopes that Jacob's Table continues to grow and serve the community, and maybe expands beyond that.

Charles never, ever met a stranger. His intense interest and curiosity in all things gave him the ability to relate to and talk with anyone. He was one of the last of a very rare type of individual - a guy who inspired the people who knew him, and who tapped into a natural sense of positivity that he'd often transfer to you even in short conversations. His sense of wonder was contagious - and he was a great example of keeping one's mind in an ever-learning, ever-inquiring state by reading, studying and digging deep into whatever your interests may be.

Charles' love of fishing was a wonderful thing. His fond memories and stories of all things related to the sport/art/skill, etc. of fishing, -were an endless source of excitement and awe that he loved to spread to his friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ruth Miller, their sons, Brian (Suzanne) and Neil (Amy) Miller, their grandchildren, Julia, Miles, & Nelson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Instead of flowers, please send donations to the Kingman United Methodist Church.

Special thanks to the staff at Rivercross Hospice and to all friends and community who have been such a tremendous support.

Funeral will be October 11th, at 10:30 am at the Livingston Funeral Home, 1830, N. Main, Kingman, KS. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m., Thursday and burial at the Czechoslovakian Cemetery northwest of Caldwell, KS.