John James Milner, 87, of Whitesboro, Texas, formerly of Independence, Missouri, was called to his eternal home on Friday, October 11, 2024.

John was born on December 28, 1936 in Cincinnati, Iowa to Melvin Francis Milner and Helen Maxine Johnson Milner.  He was a graduate of Seymour Community High School and Wichita State University.  

John married Lyla Karen Steel in Cincinnati on June 2, 1957 and they have spent the last 67 years together, building their life and raising their family.  

He spent many years serving as a police officer in Wichita, Kansas before going into the trucking business. Driving a truck was a huge part of John’s life, as well as all the buddies he made along the way.  Those friendships that were built over millions of miles of roadways are what made driving both fun and manageable.  

John was a huge family man; his family was everything to him and the time spent with each one of them was precious to him.  

He spent many hours horsing around and playing with his grandchildren.  

John enjoyed playing pool, water skiing, and working on cars. His greatest love outside of his family was the Kansas City Chiefs football team. When they were playing, he was watching!  He will be watching his beloved team this year from Heaven going for their third Superbowl win!

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lyla Milner of Whitesboro; son, John Clayton Milner and wife, Sandy from Wichita, KS; daughter, Sandy Kay Slocum and husband, Phil of Joplin, MO; daughter, Cathy Robinson and husband, Dale of Whitesboro; sister, Linda Ballanger and husband, Ralph of Iowa; brother, Doug Milner of Iowa; grandchildren, Jayson Lee Chapple and wife, Jonni, Doc Cash Robinson and wife, Selena; Kennedi Robinson and husband, Paul, Lauren Robinson, Shawna Hook and husband, Logan, Brice Richardson and wife, Ariel, Cherish Theis and husband, Greg, Jared Milner, Ryan Milner, Alexis Milner, John Wayne Milner, Halena Dair Milner, Erich Slocum and wife, Allison, Audra Slocum, and partner, Jonathan Hall, Giles Slocum and partner, Jelena Saric, Julia Slocum, Christopher Lenik and wife, Nineli, Kevin Lenik and wife, Alexis, Kaitlyn Lenik, great-grandchildren, Fynlee Robinson, Axel Robinson, Camden Hook, Kaylee McClaskey, Parker Hook, Jaxton Hook, Brock Chapple, Jacob Chapple, Jensen Milner, Rome Lenik, Pearce Slocum, Presley Slocum, Simone Hall and Oscar Hall, and great-great-grandchild, Colson Hook, as well as many other loving family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Helen Milner, son, Steven James Milner, son, Jeff Lenik, grandson, KC Robinson, and great-granddaughter, Brynlee Robinson.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro.

To sign the online registry, please go to www.meadorfuneral.com.