Tom Miller

Thomas Floyd Miller, passed away May 7, 2026. He was born on March 15, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas to parents, Thomas Floyd Miller and Georgia Mae Brane. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and stepfather, Dwight Burge. He is survived by family members, Bill Gillette, Darlene Brownlee, Bonnie Wescoat, Doris Sacheo, and Virginia Wood. 

Tom graduated from Wichita East High School in 1948, and later attended Wichita University, graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts in 1952. Upon graduation from Wichita University, Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. After serving his country he worked as an industrial engineer with Boeing from 1954-1993. Outside of work, Tom was a long-time member of Central Community Church. The church, and his church family meant a lot to him.

Tom spent his retirement years at Masonic Towers, Via Christi Village, Catholic Care, and Rushwood Senior Care. While at Via Christi, Tom really connected with the male nurse, Poly Carp. He cared for Tom in such a special way. He was a true caregiver.

Tom was a dear friend of Clinton Schoonover, and together they shared many projects and interests over the years. One of their common interests was computers. Tom also purchased an organ and spent many hours learning to play it, often giving concerts for friends and inviting people from the bank to attend. Eventually, he convinced Clinton to buy one as well, which became another special hobby they shared together. 

During the years of Tom and Clinton's friendship, Tom became close to the rest of the Schoonover family, especially Clinton's son Joe and his wife Sheryl. This relationship continued after Clinton's death, and Tom became an honorary member of the Schoonover family. Joe and Sherly took Tom to church on Sundays for several years, and often brought him to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Kristen, one of Joe and Sheryl's granddaughters, didn't realize that Tom was not actually a blood relative until she was a teenager. He was not family by blood, but family by choice.

Tom was a very encouraging and caring person who took time to visit with the other residents and help them through the challenges they faced. Joe and Sheryl often shared with him how much people truly cared about him and enjoyed visiting with him at each of the retirement communities where he lived.

One day, Joe and Sheryl were taking Tom out to lunch when, as they were checking him out, two ladies spoke up and asked, "You are bringing him back, aren't you?" At every place he lived, people would tell Joe and Sheryl that Tom was one of their favorite residents.

Tom especially enjoyed visiting the Schoonover farm, where he rode in the combine with Joe and in the semi with Sheryl. Afterwards, they would enjoy a sack lunch together, which brought him great happiness.

Our family was very thankful for the opportunity to spend so much time with Tom. Toward the end of his life, Tom became very weary and was ready to go see Jesus. We now know that he is no longer in pain and he found new life with the family who went before him.