CARL THOMAS MILES JR.

September 15, 2016

Carl Thomas Miles Jr.

(March 22, 1918 - September 9, 2016)

Lakeland, FL: CARL THOMAS MILES, JR., age 98, passed away on Friday, September 9 at the Bartow Regional Health Medical Center.

He is survived by his daughter Nancy Cote (Rick), Lakeland, son Tom (Mary Jo) of Abilene, KS, brother Jack (Darlene) of Columbia, MO, grandchildren Bryan Miles, Johnny Miles (Tracy), David Clausen (Alina), and Laura Ransom (JT), and one great-grand daughter Emmie Clausen, numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife Norma, brother Bill, sister Peggy, and sister Dorothy (in infancy).

Carl was born in Trenton, MO, on 22 March 1918, son of Carl Thomas and Josephine (McCullough) Miles. Excelling in both academics and athletics, he was a 1936 Cameron, MO, High School graduate, and the first in his family to attend college at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Carl was a left-handed pitcher for the Tigers, helping them to consecutive Big Six titles, and captaining the 1940 club. He went directly to the Philadelphia Athletics after graduation, playing for the legendary Connie Mack.

In August 1940, Carl and Norma Jean were married in St. Louis, MO. Injuries limited Carl's career, and he worked as an armed forces physical training instructor and defense plant worker during WWII. Carl had an outstanding coaching, classroom, and administrative career from 1946 to 1981, most notably in Centerville, Iowa, and later, the Iowa Department of Public Instruction. He established several Little League Base- ball programs, was active in the Centerville Christian (Disciples) Church as elder and building chairman, took part in area planning and zoning, and was an Iowa State High School Athletic Association board member. Retirement took Carl and Norma to Horseshoe Bend, AR for 13 years, to Lenoir Woods in Columbia, MO for 11 years and finally to Lakeland, FL, with time to enjoy their grandchildren and a warmer climate.

A graveside ceremony at the Shelbina Cemetery in Shelbina, MO will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 2pm. Memorials to the University of Missouri Department of Athletics | 1 Champions Drive, Columbia, MO 65211. A special thanks to the caregivers at Hawthorne Inn and to Cornerstone Hospice in Lakeland, Florida.