Joseph Jr. Miles, age 84, of Bethel, MO, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2012, at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was born February 11, 1928, at Hagers Grove in Shelby, County, MO, the son of Joseph and Cora Belle Fifer Miles, Sr.
On January 10, 1948, at Shelbyville, MO he was united in marriage to Kathleen Maurine Kirk, and she preceded him in death on October 25, 2011. Also preceding him in death were his parents, one sister Bernice Metheny, three brothers Lawrence Miles, Carl Miles, an infant brother Lowell Miles, one great granddaughter Amber Miles and a daughter-in-law Sharon (Davis) Miles.
Surviving are seven children, James Miles, Sr. and his wife Linda of Austin, TX, Jerry Miles, Sr. and his wife Joan of Macon, MO, Barbara Fountain and husband James of Maywood, MO, Mary Pulse and husband Mike of Plevna, MO, Kevin Miles Sr. of Bethel, MO, Karen Pierce and husband John of Joplin, MO and Laurie Jones and husband James of Shelbyville, MO, fifty-six grandchildren and sixty-three great-grandchildren, eight brothers, Gerald Miles of Washington, Robert Miles of Lewistown, MO, Kenneth Miles of Iowa, Mark Miles of Washington, Curtis Miles of Washington, Dean Miles of Tennessee, Merle Miles of Bethel, MO, and John Miles of Iowa, one sister Alice Allen of Oregon, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Miles received his education in Shelby County rural school and graduated from Bethel High School. He was engaged in farming in the Bethel area and owned and operated Miles Auto in Shelby County for several years. He enjoyed mowing, tinkering around home and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was of the Christian faith. His joy was spending time with his wife Kathleen who died six months ago and is now enjoying their reunion.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Pleasant Prairie Cemetery north of Bethel, MO. Officiating the services will be Brother John C. Pierce.
Music will be provided at the graveside by family members.
Casket bearers will be Jerry Miles, Jr. Joey Miles, Sarah Pierce, Michael Miles, Kimberly Tryon, Miranda Jones, Stephen Fountain and Austin Miles. Honorary bearers will be Addison Jones and Jay Miles.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 3, 2012, from 9 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, Edina, MO.
Memorials may be made to Shelby County Home Health or Hospice of Northeast Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.