Thomas Lee Miller, of Portage, Michigan, passed away peacefully, going out as his brilliant mind intended on the morning of June 13, 2026. He celebrated a remarkable life defined by resilience, intellect, and deep devotion to family. Born on November 24, 1935, in Elkhart, Indiana, he was the third and unexpected child of Mary and Wilson LeRoy Miller, arriving many years after his siblings, Beatrice (Bea) and Leroy Jr. (Nunie).

Tom’s early life was marked by both love and challenge. After losing his father at age 4, his mother returned to the workforce to provide for the family. Despite a modest upbringing that included countless rides on a milk wagon and repeating both first and third grade, Tom persevered with determination and curiosity. He became the first in his family to attend college, setting the foundation for a lifetime of accomplishment.

His academic journey began at Tri-State College (now Trine University), where he studied mechanical engineering. After a brief pause, a friend encouraged him to continue his education at Indiana State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and was a proud member of the first multi-racial fraternities Pi Lamda Phi. He went on to achieve a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin, a milestone that reflected his dedication and passion for science.

While working a summer job in drafting at Penn Controls in Goshen Indiana, Tom met his future wife and lifelong love, Kenlynn Seaman of Goshen, Indiana. The two married in 1962 and began their life together in Madison, Wisconsin. They later settled in Portage, Michigan, where Tom built a distinguished career as a research scientist at Upjohn (now Pfizer) where he traveled the world from Japan, China and Germany to Puerto Rico and beyond.

Tom and Kenlynn raised three children: daughter Heather, and sons Kevin and Quinn. Family remained at the center of his life. After retiring from Upjohn in his late 50s, Tom and his wife embraced the opportunity to travel widely and created cherished memories with their children and extended family at their lake cottage in Union, MI. They hosted many spring breaks in Siesta Key, FL, took a dream South Pacific cruise beginning in Hawaii and ending in Australia and finally a trip to California and bucket list Grand Canyon in 2024.

Tom was a man of faith and he loved Portage United Church of Christ, were he and Kenny were members and regulars for 48 years and as Pastor Mak highlighted “Tom was ready for the next mystery”. And out of all his wonderful qualities, the love Tom had for time spent with people he cared about, both family and friends, will be his lasting legacy. He befriended people from all walks of life and the way he carried himself made people trust and value him as the voice of reason.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Wilson LeRoy, his brother LeRoy Jr., sister Beatrice and his niece Pam Kayon. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Kenlynn Miller; his daughter, Heather (Michael) Stevens; his sons, Kevin (Carol Reiss) Miller and Quinn Miller; and his cherished grandchildren, Eric (Kara) Stevens, Sawyer Stevens, Ty Stevens, Leah Miller, and Seth Miller. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Lousia, Eva, Sloane, and Colette Stevens. He is further survived by his niece, who was more like a second daughter, Coleen (Butch) Knerr, and their children, Grace (Ethan) Sillers and Phillip Knerr, his nephew Larry Raifsnider and several first and second cousins and nieces and nephews.

Tom will be missed deeply, but we are so thankful for the life he lived, the example he set and the love he gave to everyone.