Robert Karl Miller Jr.

Robert Karl Miller Jr., 76, entered the presence of the Lord on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Bristol Manor, Camdenton, MO. Born September 17, 1948, in Fayetteville, NC, Karl was the son of Robert Karl Miller, Sr., and Eleanor Blanche (nee Maynor) Ballard.

The first few years of his childhood were spent in Haverhill, England, where his father served in the US military. After returning to the States his boyhood homes included Webster Groves and St. Charles, MO. As a youth he loved playing tennis, canoeing, swimming, and teaching others to swim at Sherwood Forest Camp in Troy, MO. He had become quite proficient playing the accordion with which he entertained family and friends. He graduated cum laude from St. Charles Senior High School in 1966. He then attended and graduated from Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, IL, with high honors as well. During his college years he participated in Men’s Glee Club; was president of the Men’s Honor Club; and was a member of the Who Who’s Club. Since his mid-20s Karl struggled with mental illness and bore patiently with this affliction, participating in NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness. An avid reader until his late sixties, he loved discussing philosophical and theological issues. With a keen wit and a quirky humor, Karl found joy and a love for life, exhibiting an unusual contentment with his “lot.” Before his health declined, he freely volunteered countless hours of his time to the Dogwood Animal Shelter Thrift Store, the Senior Citizen Center in Camdenton, and the Salvation Army as a bell ringer at Christmas. He resided at Bristol Manor, where he was known for assisting its staff by helping out in any way he could.

Most importantly, Karl gave his life to Jesus Christ in his thirties, and later in life became a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Camdenton, MO, where he faithfully attended. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Karl is survived by his stepfather, Paul Kendall Ballard, Kaiser, MO; three sisters, Karen Suzanne (Tracy) Singleton, Polo, IL; Lynette Ann Miller, Warrenton, MO; and Leslie Evans Edgar, Dixon, IL; three nieces, Audrey Bess (Keith) Hall, Allison Park, PA; Lydia Marie (Greg) Murphy, O’Fallon, MO; and Tessa Renee (Eric) Hoefler, Milwaukee, WI; three nephews, Micah Brandon (Nevair) Singleton, St. Petersburg, FL; Neal Thomas (Samantha) Singleton, Wausau, WI; and Adam Lee (Tiffany) Singleton, Ocala, FL; and an aunt, Elizabeth Ann (Fred) Stanley, Wytheville, VA. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends who will truly miss him.

His parents, Robert and Eleanor, preceded him in death in 1996 and 2024, respectively. Also deceased are his paternal and maternal grandparents, seven aunts, six uncles, three cousins, and an infant great niece.

The family would like to extend their appreciation, love and gratitude to the following: Bristol Manor Care Center in Camdenton—throughout Karl’s nineteen years as a resident of their facility, he was always treated with love, kindness, and respect, and therefore never had a bad word to say about his caregivers; his church family at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for their works of mercy; and his oncology medical team for their excellent care.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 29th, from 10-11 a.m., at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1874 MO Hwy 5, Camdenton, MO, with a service following at 11 a.m. Karl will then be laid to rest at a nearby burial plot.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.