William H. Craigmiles, 82, retired merchant, died in his sleep in his home in Pleasant Hill early Sunday morning January 8. He had been afflicted for the past several years, but his condition had improved and he had been in good health for the past several weeks, and his passing came as a shock to his family and friends. Mr. Craigmiles was born at Pleasant Hill, February 27, 1874, a son of Peter B. and Sarah Emert Craigmiles. His brothers and sister preceded him in death. Mr. Craigmiles was married to Daisy Briscoe February 27, 1889. Three children were born to this union; Miss Maude Craigmiles, at home; Dr. L. E. Craigmiles of Hannibal, Mo.; and Mrs. Joseph Moldovon of Brooklyn, N. Y. He also leaves three grandchildren and a foster-daughter, Mrs. Genevieve Gramail, of West Palm Beach, Florida, who was reared in the Craigmiles home. His wife preceded him in death. He was a member of the Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge in Pleasant Hill. Mr. Craigmiles had spent his whole life in Pleasant Hill. He attended the Pleasant Hill schools and became a part of the business life of Pleasant Hill in his early manhood. He was first empoyed as a clerk in Pleasant Hill stores, followed by a partnership in the operation of a general store. The partnership was dissolved and W. H. Craigmiles became owner of the business in 1900 which he continued to operate until he sold the business and retired in 1942. He erected the brick building for his business, and retained the building when he sold his business and had recently leased it to the Gamble Store. He was a director of the Citizen's State Bank of Pleasant Hill and resigned about the time he retired from business. Politically, Mr. Craigmiles was a Jeffersonian Democrat, and was always interested in the political policies governing the state and nation. Mr. Craigmiles lived his life 82 years in the town of his birth, and was connected with the business life of the town for more than half a century. He was a successful business man and after his retirement he was deeply interested in the progress of his hometown. He was always ready to support any proposition to afford better schools for the children of Pleasant Hill. During his long term in business in Pleasant Hill he helped mold the future of his home town, and in his estimation Pleasant Hill was the greatest town in the world, where he lived a happy, contented life with his devoted family and in the fellowship of lifelong friends. Funeral services are being held in the Methodist Church today, (Wednesday), at 2 o'clock with the Rev. R. V. Henry officiating. Burial will be in Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.