David Miller

Rev. David Eugene Miller age 74, longtime pastor of Knoxville Community Church, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 28, 2023, at his home in Excelsior Springs.

David was born on Oct. 22, 1948, in Carlinville, IL, the son of Manning Paul and Annie Lee (Shirkey) Miller.

Survivors include sister, Brenda Tilley of Bolivar and longtime friend, William Cline of Excelsior Springs, and all of his church family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dennis Charles and sister, Barbara Ann.

Pastor David spent his youth moving with his family to towns where his father ministered.  He was a graduate of Northeast High School in Kansas City.  He attended McPherson College in Kansas and Seminary in Missouri.  He first was the minister to United Methodist Church in Polo.  He then became the founding minister of the Knoxville Community Church where he served for over 50 years until health issues forced him to retire in August of 2022.  David was a loving and caring person and served as a foster parent and foreign exchange student sponsor to many children over the years.  He developed many a child’s character and formed close bonds of friendship that followed him all of his life.  David loved to visit and share meals with his church family.  Christmas was always a special time for him at the church.  He also enjoyed traveling to Branson, tennis in his youth, and was an avid deer hunter.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Knoxville Community Church.  Memorials can be dropped by or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main – P. O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.  

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Wed., May 3, 2023, at Knoxville Community Church, Knoxville, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. with services to follow at 1:00 p.m.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.  Please remember to share your memories of Pastor David by visiting http://www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.