Mier II, John R. 1954-2025 Columbia, Mo.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – With love and gratitude for a well lived life, we remember John Mier, who passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2025, at the age of 70. More than 70 people’s lives were lengthened or improved by John’s final gifts of organ and tissue donation. Even in passing, John’s legacy lives on in the lives he saved and healed, a final act of generosity that reflected the compassion he showed throughout his life. Those who knew him remember his quiet humor, generous heart, and the calm, thoughtful way he lived his life.

Born in St. Joseph, John graduated from Central High in 1972, and from Missouri Western College in 1978. John dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to public service through the state of Missouri’s Family Support Division. He found deep purpose in his work, especially in helping fathers establish paternity, John had a passion for volunteering – for numerous organizations from the St. Louis Zoo to the City of Columbia, John had a delightful hobby of helping circulate two-dollar bills and one-dollar coins. He was always tipping with two-dollar bills. It was a small, thoughtful way of spreading kindness, sparking conversations, and leaving a memorable impression.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frances J. (Garcia) and Floyd R. Mier, and his brother, Frank J. Mier.

He is survived by Diane Oerly; her children, Adriana Nieman and Mitchell Hughey; and his grandchildren, Asher and Elias Nieman. His family includes his sister, Sharon (Greg) Williams; three nieces, Jessie and Kelsey Williams, and Bobbie (John) Barrett; great-nieces, Chesney and Tommi Stanton; and Frank’s wife, Melba Mier. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.