LTC (Ret) Klaude Anthony "Tony" Miller

Klaude Anthony “Tony” Miller—an adventurer and soldier, a brother mason and true friend, a loving husband and beloved father—departed this world at sunrise on February 19, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 72 years old. Tony was the second of five children to Patricia M. (Cleveland) Miller. He spent his childhood in Artesia, California, reading, playing sports here and abroad, working at a Fosters Freeze ice cream shop, helping raise his brothers (sorry, Dell), and dreaming of the man he wanted to be. Tony graduated from Artesia High School and continued his love of learning the rest of his life, attending Cerritos College, California Polytechnic University in Pomona, University of Phoenix, and Ozark Technical Community College. After his time at Cerritos College, Tony pursued what would be his true calling and enlisted in the U.S. Army. There, he joined the ranks of the Army Corp of Engineers with whom he served the entirety of his career. Tony dedicated his life and talents towards developing himself to be the best soldier he could be. To that end, he chose to become an Army officer so that he could expand the ways that he could develop and support the soldiers around him. The Army gave him the chance to explore the world and forge friendships that he would carry with him for all his life. Tony truly lived a life of adventure during these years. From having the honor of working with the Old Guard, helping safeguard South Korea, to being the last person to leave Mogadishu during the U.N. withdrawal, Tony’s adventures and acts of service are too numerous to detail here, but some of the honors he earned were: the Korea Defense Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (8th Award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), United Nations Medal, Parachutist Badge, and US Army Basic Recruiter Badge. Tony fell in love with his wife, Sunny Ro, while stationed in South Korea in the early 1980s. Sunny disapproved of Tony’s Jeep but thought “Captain Miller” was a handsome and kind man who danced very well. They have been in love ever since. Tony and Sunny shared over 38 years of marriage and together raised their children, Keevin and Sara (and their beloved dog-child, Pookie). After 29 years, 11 months, and 11 days, Tony retired from the U.S. Army. He promptly grew out his iconic white hair. Tony then allowed himself to fall further in love with his After 29 years, 11 months, and 11 days, Tony retired from the U.S. Army. He promptly grew out his iconic white hair. Tony then allowed himself to fall further in love with his pastimes, such as reading nonfiction, studying geology, restoring his white ’56 Ford pickup truck, rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, learning to weld, taking photographs, gathering with friends at Westside Cafe and Flo’s Diner, and beating Mark Potter at golf. He also fell further in love with his community and spent time painting homes, driving friends to appointments, feeding cats, organizing ceremonies, visiting family, and supporting veterans. More formally, Tony was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Shrine Club and National Sojourners. He attended Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Robert, Missouri. Though Tony enjoyed putting on a tough exterior, he was a deeply caring and loving man. It was important to him to make those around him feel special. Silver peace dollars were tokens of trust and honor that Tony would gift to those around him that he held in high esteem. And being a very social man who was quick to strike up friendships, Tony would often say that he had silver coin bearers on every continent aside from Antarctica. Tony loved his family, often writing notes for his wife and visiting his kids. He could make his family smile by wiggling his ears, baking cookies, or building items for them. He often slipped compliments about his wife, children, siblings, nieces, and nephews into casual conversations. Even when his kids moved away, he remained an active supporter in their lives and looked for ways to be involved. Tony was a proud father. Tony is already missed and fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory—his wife: Sunny Miller of the home; three children: Mikel Bennett of Austin, TX, Keevin Miller of Columbia, MO, and Sara Miller of Brooklyn, NY; one granddaughter: Ester Wren; one sister: Christina Schlossin of Three Rivers, CA; two brothers: Billy Miller of Pico Rivera, CA and Dell Miller of San Diego, CA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia M. Miller (2007); brother, Matthew V. Miller (2015); uncle, Peter M. Cleveland (2017); brother-in-law, Tommy D. Schlossin (2021); father-in-law, Ro Bong-Dae (2000); mother-in-law, Son I-Soon (1994); and brother-in-law, Ro Shik-Mu (2023). Tony’s gregarious laugh and goofy smile will live on in our hearts forever, while his commitment to his family, country, and friends will be his legacy. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Pastor John Perling officiating. Serving as escorts were Kristofer Schlossin, Noel Miller, Dell Miller, Jimmy Miller, Jenks Drury, and John Rosipal. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with honors being provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of LTC (Ret) Tony Miller and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

LTC (Ret) Klaude Anthony "Tony" Miller

January 20, 1952 - February 19, 2024