Leland “Lee” Victor Miner, son of the late Hiram Victor Miner and Marjorie Isabel (Hutchinson) Miner, was born in Estherville, Iowa, on Dec. 11, 1942. He departed this life, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, at the age of 77.
Lee grew up on a farm in Superior, Iowa, learning the traits of hard work. After graduation, Lee proudly served in the United States Navy from December of 1960 to November of 1963 as a radar and communications technician aboard the USS Boxer. In 1964, he married Patricia Butler and three children were born to this union. In 1966, his young family made their way to settle in Gila Bend, Ariz. In 1976, Lee married Hazel Seel and to this union, one son was born. In 1981, Lee married Barbara (Bobbi) Comstock and he gained his first experience at being a grandfather. In 1988, the family left Arizona for Missouri to own and operate a small business in Ellington at Clearwater Lake. Sale of the business opened the door for a move back to Arizona in 1994. In 2003, he married Laura Carter and in 2007, they moved from Arizona to their current home at Drury, to share the rural life.
Lee was a jack of many trades in his working career. His collection of tools allowed him to perform mechanical music on anything with wheels. His coolness under stress kept people safe during his time as a police officer and EMT. As a truck driver, delivering his payload safely and on schedule was a prideful time. He then went into towing to bring in the trucks that couldn’t make it. The ambition of being his own boss drove his dedication as a business owner, logging extended day and night hours in attempts to fulfill his American Dream. Some of his favorite times were telling stories over a good cup of coffee with even better company.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Genevieve Rowe; and sister, Juanita Smith. He is survived at the home by his wife, Laura; a daughter, Kirsten (Robert) Coleman, of Rhome, Texas; three sons, Steve (Brenda) Miner, of New Bloomfield; Joe (Michelle) Miner, of Drury; Thomas (Debbie Lowry) Miner, of Fulton; three granddaughters, Kathryn Coleman, Sophia and Natalie Miner; three sisters, Margaret Wilshusen, of Mora; Vicki (Brad) LaBille, of Sedalia; and Colleen Bierman, of Warsaw; stepchildren, Naomi (Wayne) Vandever and Alicia Seel; step-grandchildren, Daniel Seel, Cody and Amanda Best; Katie, Anna and Nathan Lowry; Shawn and Tracy Vandever, Chrissy Barnett; five great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him. Funeral services for Leland Miner were held Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Gentryville Church, with Dennis Shumate officiating. Song selections were “On My Mother’s Side,” “Amazing Grace” and “Flowers For The Master’s Bouquet.” Stephen Miner, Joe Miner, Tom Miner, Robert Coleman, Jacob Wilshusen and Michael Wilshusen served as pallbearers. Neil Strathman, Jerry Strathman, David Wilshusen, Jim Wilshusen and Shawn Vandever served as honorary pallbearers.
Burial with full military honors by the United States Navy, and American Legion Post No. 30 was in Gentryville Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
