Delbert James Miller

Delbert James Miller (affectionately known as Papa to his grandchildren), age 83, stepped into glory and entered into the presence of his Savior on February 5th, 2022. Delbert was born on June 8th, 1938 in Vienna, Missouri to Horace and May Miller. The son and stepson (by death) of preachers, faith was a core part of Delbert’s life from the beginning. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a revival as a child and was baptized in the Gasconade River. Delbert attended Vienna High School (class of 1956) and played on some of their most successful basketball teams, including a sweet 16 run in the state tournament. His love for basketball would be a lifelong affair as he loved shooting hoops with his children and grandchildren, as well as cheering on the Mizzou Tigers. After high school, Delbert attended Missouri State University. He married the love of his life, Beverly, on August 6th, 1960 in Vienna, Missouri. They would go on to be married for 61 years. Soon after college, Delbert entered the Air Force from 1961-1965. During part of his service, he and Beverly were stationed in Alaska, including during the great earthquake there in 1964. Following his service, Delbert worked at a number of different airlines including Ozark, TWA, and American Airlines. In addition to living in Alaska, Delbert and Beverly also made their home in a number of different cities in Missouri over the years including St. Louis, Waynesville, Columbia, and Kansas City. Delbert was a dedicated church member wherever he lived, especially at First Baptist North Kansas City. Over the years, he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and drove the church courtesy van. Delbert was always a jokester and never knew a stranger. He was an avid traveler, master tomato gardener, sports fan, and professional curbside collector among other things. More than all of these, Papa loved his children and grandchildren. He never missed a youth sporting event or school concert. He was a model father and grandfather. Above all else, Delbert loved Jesus and is now joining in with the eternal choir singing praises to his Savior.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents Horace and May Miller, stepfather Harrison King, siblings Delores Swarthout, Helen-Louise Miller, Bob Miller, Wilma Reeder, Charles Miller, Donnie King, Maurice Miller, and son Randall. Delbert is survived by his wife Beverly Miller, daughters Dana Eissler (husband Chuck) and Heather Bleyenberg (husband David), grandchildren Caleb Eissler (wife Carlie), Olivia Finley (husband Kenny), Shelby Fagan, and Parker Bleyenberg; great-granddaughter Lily (mother Shelby) and sister Ruth Allen.

The visitation will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church’s Chapel on Thursday, February 10th, 2022, at 5 pm with the funeral service to follow at 6 pm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 1 pm at Kenner Cemetery in Dixon, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

The visitation will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church’s Chapel on Thursday, February 10th, 2022, at 5 pm with the funeral service to follow at 6 pm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 1 pm at Kenner Cemetery in Dixon, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.