Petty Officer 1st Class John Michael Miller – age 39 of New Orleans, LA passed away Wednesday, February 17th, 2021.  Michael was born on November 17th, 1981, the son of John H. and Lanita (Sconce) Miller Smith in Columbia, MO. He grew up in Wichita, KS and was a 2000 graduate of Wichita South High School. Michael accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 8, led by his mother and baptized by his grandfather, Rev. Johny Sconce at Southwest Baptist Church, Wichita, KS. Michael had served in the United States Navy since 2007, obtaining the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class.  Sports and the Navy were his life.  Since age 7, soccer was his love. He was a member of the Wichita Tornado and Stykers Club Teams. He was also guest player on several teams. He continued his soccer love in High School and was a starter for the Wichita South Titans. He made ‘All City” all 4 years in high school and was awarded All-State title his senior year. Michael was a successful and professional naval officer that was admired and respected by many.  He was an avid KU men’s basketball and St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved arguing with co-workers on the excellence of Kansas Basketball.  Michael was a giver throughout life and gave the gift of life in death, through organ donation.  He was a loving and fabulous son and a friend to many. Michael will be dearly missed. 

Michael was preceded in death by his father, John H. Miller; stepfather, James R. Smith; maternal grandfather, Rev. Johny W. Sconce; and paternal grandparents, Horace and Georgia Miller. Survivors include: mother, Lanita Sconce Smith of Jamesport, MO; grandmother, Wandalea Sconce of Chillicothe, MO; uncles, Mark (Shirre) Sconce of Walnut Grove, MO, and James Sconce of Holden, MO; aunt, Susan (Jay) Peach of Merriam, KS; cousins, friends and naval coworkers also survive.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Pilot Grove #1 Cemetery in care of Stith Funeral Home (1329 W. Grand St. Gallatin, MO 64640) . Memorial services with full Naval Honors will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, March 20th, 2021 at Grace Baptist Church (3101 NE Vivian Rd. Kansas City, MO 64119). The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the church. Per church and Naval regulations, social distancing and masks are required at the church. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home, Jamesport. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com