#KDOTTUESDAYS: Section of U.S. 75 dedicated to fallen hero Eldon K. Miller

KHP Master Trooper Ryan Mosher and his brother Sergeant Darren Mosher of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, unveil a sign dedicating a section of U.S. 75 to their great uncle, Eldon K. Miller who also served as a KHP Officer. 

A major manhunt took place in Overland Park the afternoon of January 19, 1968. The search was on for two suspects who had robbed $13,000 from the Metcalf State Bank, shooting and wounding a local motorcycle officer during their getaway.

The abandoned getaway vehicle was located near an apartment complex in the 8400 block of Newton. Officers formed a perimeter and searched each apartment. As officers entered one of the apartments, shots were fired. Stationed outside, Sergeant Eldon Miller of the Kansas Highway Patrol jumped into a nearby Johnson County Sheriff’s car and began driving to the apartment windows to provide cover for officers pinned down by the shooting. As Miller was moving the car, gunfire erupted from the windows. The bullets struck and immediately killed him.

Sgt. Miller was 48 years old. He served in the United State Air Army Corps from 1942-45, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Miller had been with the KHP for over 15 years. He was the first member of the Patrol to be killed by gunfire.

Family, friends and citizens gathered Nov. 1 at Yates Center for a sign unveiling ceremony to designate a section of U.S. 75 as the Eldon K. Miller Memorial Highway.

Family, friends and citizens gathered Nov. 1 at Yates Center for a sign unveiling ceremony to designate a section of U.S. 75 as the Eldon K. Miller Memorial Highway. The words of family members and officials recalling Miller’s commitment, enthusiasm and bravery warmed the chilly setting on the courthouse lawn.

According to Colonel Mark Bruce of the KHP, Miller’s family worked tirelessly with legislators to designate the highway. The Eldon K. Miller Memorial Highway is part of the U.S. 75 corridor. It starts at the north city limits of Yates Center, his hometown, and continues north to the Woodson-Coffey county line.