Miller retires after 40 years as public administrator
John Miller during his retirement celebration.
On Dec. 31, John Miller retired from his position as Wright County Public Administrator at the County Courthouse with several family members and coworkers present.
Miller, 62, served the county for 40 years – the longest-serving public administrator in Missouri.
A lifelong resident of Wright County, Miller grew up the youngest of six children in Mansfield.
After graduating high school, he followed in the steps of his father, a funeral director and embalmer.
At 22, Miller was approached by Harold Dennis, the county commissioner at the time, with a proposition: he should run for public administrator.
According to Miller’s daughter, Whitney Owens, he did just that.
“He has been guardian and conservator over a few hundred people in those 40 years,” Owens said.
Miller was elected and served 10 terms, during which his duty was to oversee constituents who needed assistance with housing, finances and healthcare decisions.
“The job is dedicated to the people,” Miller said.
“It certainly has been gratifying to help these people throughout the years.”
In 1999, Miller was featured in People magazine for his
work as public administrator and found praise amongst his peers; Miller forged friendships with other public administrators statewide.
Miller stated that the socioeconomic landscape has been greatly altered throughout the years, and pointed out that the duties of the position aren’t always easy.
“When you’re working with people who aren’t able to help themselves, it can be hard,” Miller said.
He pointed out, though, that the rewards are just as plentiful; some of his fondest memories involve restoration of rights to his wards, in other words, when an individual would have guardianship removed and regain independent status, a phenomenon Miller said was rare.
Owens, 38, stated that her father’s transition into retirement is a big change for their family. “My dad has been PA my
whole life,” she said. “He was
a father figure to his people, and his heart was always involved.” Miller is eternally grateful to the people of Wright County and stated he is honored to have served the area. “There’s always work to be done,” he said, “but it’s time to let someone else step in.”
Post retirement, Owens said her father plans to continue working as a funeral director at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.
“Hopefully, slow down a bit… if he can,” she said.