Thomas Wayne "Tom" Miller, 86, of Highland, went to be with Jesus, Friday evening, March 11, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born at Highland September 20, 1929, one of five children born to Charles P. and Edith Thorp Miller, and was a lifelong Highland resident. He grew up near Highland where he attended Jeffers School, later graduating from Highland High School in 1947. He attended Highland Community College where he played football. He enjoyed playing baseball on the town teams that were very popular at the time. Tom farmed for 15 years in the Highland area before he and his wife Beverly, started a John Deere dealership in Highland which they operated 25 years prior to becoming a Deutz Allis dealership for 2 years. Tom later was a salesman for a total of 9 years for Horizon Implement in Elwood, and Hiawatha Implement.

Tom’s love and concern for his community ran very deep. He was a longtime dedicated member of the Highland Christian Church; where he served as elder and trustee. He was a volunteer EMT, and was instrumental in having ambulance service in Doniphan County/Highland. He also was a volunteer firefighter; served as a police officer; and had served on the EMS Board of Kansas; the MOKAN Regional EMS Board; along with being an EMT instructor. Through the years, he sang for many weddings and funerals for family and friends in the area.

He married Beverly Utz, June 1, 1947, at Highland. She survives at the home.
Other survivors include two sons: Doug (Linda) Miller of Hiawatha, Greg (Joyce) Miller of Wathena; two daughters: Ellen (Larry) Beaman of Highland, Jane (George) Bruning of Everest; ten grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and a host of good friends.

Tom was preceded in death by two sisters and husbands: Wilma Miller Snapp and Ed, Venita Miller Brinkley and B.T.; two brothers and spouses: Fred Miller and Mary, and Charles R. “Chuck” Miller and Gail.

A Celebration of Tom’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Highland Christian Church. Tom Carter and Jerry Petering will officiate. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Friday where the family will meet with friends that evening from 6 until 8.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Christian Church or Highland EMT’s, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.