Buford Miller

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Buford Henry Miller, 97, of Marble Hill, passed away Nov. 28, 2016, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Born Aug. 14, 1919, on Grassy Creek, he was the son of Thomas Jefferson (Jeff) Sr. and Ruth Ellen Perkins Miller. His parents and an older sister, Frieda Carolyn Agnew, preceded him in death. He is survived by his younger brother, Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) Miller Jr. of Marble Hill.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Jewell Ward on Sept. 3, 1938, in Marble Hill. Their loving marriage encompassed 74 years together until her death July 3, 2003.

Buford served in the United States Army during World War II as a technician 5th grade with the 9206th Technical Service Unit. After he separated from the Army, Buford and Jewell resided in St. Louis, where he worked in manufacturing jobs and was self-employed in automobile sales and various other activities. After retirement, Buford and Jewell enjoyed spending time between their St. Louis and Silva, Missouri, homes. Buford was an avid gun enthusiast, hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman, traveling throughout the United States and into Canada to pursue his passions for hunting and fishing.

In addition to his brother T.J., he is survived by nephew and nieces Richard (Edna) Miller of Fredericktown, Missouri, Judy Rhodes of Marble Hill, Liz (Terry) Durham of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Myra (Rick) Underwood of Marble Hill, as well as multiple great-nieces and great-nephews who were always the light of his life and with whom he enjoyed sharing time, meals and conversation.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill.

Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Fred Ritter officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Missouri Veterans Home in lieu of flowers.