Charles David Miller Sr.

Charles D. Miller, Sr
July 27, 1938 - May 28, 2022

Charles David Miller, Sr, age 83, was born July 27, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the son of Charles L Miller and Dorothy E. Plybon, and stepson to John B. Plybon. He is the eldest and “big brother” to nine sisters and two brothers. He went home to be with his late wife, Woneta, on May 28, 2022.

Charles worked as an airline mechanic doing engine overhauls for TWA and after 45 years of service, he retired in December 2001. During his retirement he enjoyed coin collecting and stamp collecting, and was dedicated to Scouting.

He became a member of the Boy Scouts of America in 1967. He served as a leader in multiple positions throughout the years beginning with Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 233 at Liberty Street RLDS Church in Independence, Missouri. He was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 203 at College Park Community of Christ Church in Independence, Missouri. He was lovingly known as Grandpa Miller or Charlie as he guided and mentored countless boys through the scouting ranks. With over sixty years of service, he was awarded the District Award of Merit as well as the SIlver Beaver Award.

Charles became a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say choosing the tribal name of Swift Silver Owl. He was thrilled to watch seven other family members join the tribe and take a variation of his tribal name. He was honored to be elevated to the rank of Sachem.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Woneta C. Miller, two sisters, Judy O’Hara, and Patricia Plybon.

He is survived by his four children:
Deborah C. Witkowski of Independence, Missouri;
Charles D. Miller, Jr. of Independence, Missouri;
W. Darlene Sappenfield and husband Michael of Buckner, Missouri;
Barbara L. Jones and husband Brian of Independence, Missouri.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren:
Jason Witkowski of Kansas City, Missouri;
Jeremy Witkowski of Warrensburg, Missouri;
Ryan Witkowski and wife Linda of Independence, Missouri;
Jilian Bueltmann and husband Rick of Chesterfield, Missouri;
Kent Miller of Independence, Missouri;
Derrick Sappenfield and wife Sharon of Buckner, Missouri;
Meghan Richcreek and husband Warren of Harrisonville, Missouri;
Leanne Jones of Kansas City, Kansas;
Matthew Jones of Independence, Missouri.

He is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Austin, Kalel, Bruce, Diana, Avery, William, Bailey, Kara, and one great, great granddaughter, Lydia.

Services are Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. South, Independence, Missouri 64055. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Funeral and graveside services are immediately following. Charles will be laid to rest, next to his wife, in Mound Grove Cemetery, 1818 N. River Blvd, Independence, Missouri 64050.

In Scouts, Charles was passionate that no child should miss out on the experience to go camping due to financial difficulties. It was his mission to see that any child in our unit that wanted to go to Scout camp, got that opportunity. He opened up his back property named, “ Charlie’s Park” where smaller units could camp for free.

Monetary donations made in honor of Charles will be accepted at the funeral home or can be mailed directly to Boy Scouts Heart of
American Council at 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

All donations collected will be designated for improvements at Camp Piercing Arrow at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri.