David Jonathan Miles, 69, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, February 20, 2017 at his home.

David was born on July 13, 1947 in Winfield, Kansas, to Hayward M. and Doris H. (Jones) Miles. The family lived in Winfield and Cottonwood Falls, Kansas for a short time before moving to Burden where his father purchased Gann Mortuary in 1948.

Dave was raised and received his education in Burden and graduated from Central of Burden High School in 1965. During his teenage years, he worked in all aspects of the family businesses at the funeral home, furniture and hardware store and also served in the Miles Ambulance Service.

He attended Wichita State University and later graduated from Southwestern College in 1970 with Bachelor's Degrees in chemistry and biology. Dave worked for Vulcan Chemical Research Lab in Wichita for 3 years and then attended and graduated from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma with a degree in funeral service. He was employed as a funeral director and embalmer for Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, Oklahoma for 3 years. He returned to Winfield in 1978 where he built his first funeral home, operating as Miles Memorial Chapel. In 1992, he built a replacement funeral home in Winfield, operating as Miles Funeral Service.

David's passion for flawless and personal service was evident to the families he served over the years in the funeral business. He settled for nothing less than perfection, even on the smallest details for a families' loved one's tribute. Another passion was his love of music, whether it was playing the piano for weddings, funerals, church services, various special occasions and events, or playing at home for his family's enjoyment. During his 60+ years of music, he played piano and organ for countless Winfield and Cowley County events.

He was a longtime member of Millington Street Baptist Church in Winfield. He had also been affiliated with the Lions Club, Winfield Rotary, Winfield Chamber of Commerce, the Cowley County Historical Society, and was a member of both the National and Kansas Funeral Directors Associations. Dave also served a term on the board of Unified School District #465 in Winfield.

He was united in marriage to Lori M. (Wilson) McGowan on February 8, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple resided in Winfield and purchased farm property outside of Winfield in 2010. David adapted quickly to what he referred to as "the farm" life. Most farms aren't complete without a tractor so he soon located one and spent the next few summers playing in the dirt and making improvements in anticipation of building a home. Dave added goats and mini donkeys to the mix. By leasing out some of the acreage he was able to enjoy watching cattle and their offspring without having to do the chores. They moved to the farm in 2013 and he continued to "tinker around". He and Lori absolutely loved the farm, which he called "Our garden of Eden" and would rather be there than anywhere else. The couple also liked to travel, especially to New Mexico and the mountains in Colorado, driving the back roads when possible.

In spite of several health issues that arose during the last fourteen months, he never lost faith in the Lord. Dave's strong faith, quick wit and sense of humor will be tremendously missed, especially by Lori.

His family includes:
His wife: Lori of the home;
His children: Rachel Podschun and husband, Jon of Lawrence, KS; Jason Miles of Florida; Julie Gould and husband, Richard and their son, Jack of New Zealand; Candice Taylor and husband, Clay and their children, Ryanne, Parker and Paityn of Kansas City, MO; Dustin McGowan and wife, Elicia of Yuma, AZ; Kiersten McGowan and Travis Allender of Winfield;
His siblings: John Martin and wife, Josey of Seguin, TX; Maureen Miles and husband, Ken Kallenbach of Winfield; Jeff Miles of Winfield;
His mother-in-law and father-in-law: Raymond and Linda Wilson of Arkansas City;
His sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Jennifer and Bill Ross of Rose Hill; and
Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and his beloved canine best friend, Charlie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Miles.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, February 27, 2017 at Miles Funeral Service. A private burial will follow. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., Sunday, February 26, 2017. The family will greet visitors during this time.

A memorial has been established in Dave's name for the Millington Street Baptist Church Building Fund. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.