William "Jon" Miner was born into this life to Frankie Jayne Campbell and Rex Garton Miner on November 13, 1952 in Mason City, Iowa and entered eternal life on Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 57.  Jon will be greatly missed and his memory cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Jon's father and forever advocate, Rex G. Miner, worked tirelessly for Jon. He was devoted to the development of the Association for Retarded Citizens in Warren County in the 1960's and early 1970's, and continued with the Winifred Law Opportunity Center, (now Christian Opportunity Center) sponsored by the Association. He was instrumental in establishing the first group residential home where Jon lived after his father's death until he entered the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in 2009. Jon loved his father deeply and missed him beyond comprehension. What a joyous reunion it must be!

Upon the death of Jon's father, his sister Kris assumed the role of guardian/advocate and was a constant presence in his life the past 22 years.  He enjoyed the many weekends, vacations and holidays they spent together.  Jon also enjoyed spending time with his sister, Linda (and family) watching Iowa Hawkeye games, celebrating the holidays, and to just hang out.  He looked forward to phone calls, visits, and homemade goodies from his sister Darlene in Florida and was grateful both she and sister Linda were able to spend a good deal of time with him during the last few years.  Jon also enjoyed a special relationship with his brother, Rex and his wife Peg, always looking forward to their calls and visits.

Jon was a remarkable man who loved life. He touched and enriched the lives of every person he met. He knew no strangers, seldom forgot a name and always had a happy greeting and hug for everyone.  Most important to Jon were his relationships with family and friends.  The IOWA HAWKEYE'S ran a close second!  He loved country music and studying the weather, becoming known as "Weatherman" from his love of watching Channel 13 News broadcasts.  Jon participated in Special Olympics winning numerous medals, including Gold.  He earned many badges while active in Boy Scouts over the years, as well as trophies in bowling leagues with his "buddies".  Jon was a gentle man who lived a life of integrity and humility asking for nothing but enjoying all that came his way.  He loved unconditionally and leaves us with that legacy.

Surviving Jon are his sister Darlene (Larry) of Florida; brother  Rex M. (Peg) Miner of Ohio; and sisters Linda Bingham of Indianola and Kris Erickson of West Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews who adored him.   Also surviving is his long time roommate and friend Roger Marsh and family at Christian Opportunity Center in Indianola.

Jon was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister Marilee Ann Armstrong; step-mother, Mildred F. Miner; and his long time roommates and best friends, Marvin Van Wyk and Alan Hutchison.

Jon's family will be forever grateful to the staff of Christian Opportunity Center (formerly Winifred Law Opportunity Center) for their tireless efforts and devotion to the lives of Jon and his friends over the years. Through their selfless efforts, Jon experienced a quality of life that would not have been available to him otherwise. We also express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan in Indianola, Hospice of Central Iowa, and Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines for assisting in a gentle and peaceful transition to his new life.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. A Graveside service will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, September 30 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 29, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christian Opportunity Center in Indianola, the Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines, or Hospice of Central Iowa. Online condolences may be sent at www.overtonfunerals.com.