Arlen \"Shondo\" Miller
December 25, 1929 – November 3, 2020
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of his life will be held in summer 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to Ministry with Community of Kalamazoo.
Obituary
Passed away on November 3, 2020 at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family. Shondo was born December 25, 1929 in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Alex and Viola (Gunn) Miller. He was the best friend and beloved husband to Eleanor (Powless) Miller, his wife of 59 years, and devoted father to Michaele Miller, Jeffrey (Donna) Miller, and Christopher (Stephanie) Measzros. Shondo was the proud grandfather to his five grandchildren - Adam, Eliza, Isabel, Conrad and Carey. He is also survived by many other dear family members and longtime friends.
Shondo was a local Golden Gloves Champion and then fought for the All-Army Boxing Championship. He was a 42-year employee of the Kalamazoo Gazette and an active member of the Kalamazoo community. Shondo volunteered with Ministry with Community and at his church. He was very involved with his grandchildren and greatly enjoyed watching them grow up. Shondo was a generous friend to everyone who knew him and will be forever loved and remembered.
To quote Shondo: “See you in the funny papers.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of his life will be held in summer 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to Ministry with Community of Kalamazoo.
Shondo you will be missed. You were a bright spirit that always brought a smile. May your love live on through your beautiful family. -Pastor Julie
We will forever love and miss Shondo. He was a “beaut” of a person and holds a special place in our hearts. Shondo is a legend of Kalamazoo and will be missed by so many! We love you Shondo and Miller family! Lindsay & Bill Hartman
Shondo’s Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather and his many other family and friends. Only knowing Shondo through his wife and friends, I know how very much he was loved and cared for. Our sympathies are with you all. God Bless. Jane & Stan Smeed
Hi Ellie, it’s Dorris Bowman. I am so sorry for your loss. I remembered recently when we were in the computer room at Stryker, noticed it looked dark out but had no idea that a tornado was happening downtown. I think you had to detour to get home. That and other good memories of our friendship, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shondo will be greatly missed. When his name is mentioned I think of solid character and thoughtfulness. Ellie watched my two kids for years in the 80’s and early 90’s while my (late) husband and I worked. Shondo was often present and my kids (adults and married now) still talk about their time at Ellie and Shondo’s…usually coming home with funny stories about Shondo. He had a quick wit and often gave the daycare kids special nicknames. Shondo was a solid, forever friend, never too busy to stop and talk, or offer assistance with any project. even if he just met you. Shondo could be seen running, later walking the neighborhood, stopping for a quick hello, always asking about my kids and family. Mostly I’ll miss his kindness and great smile that always made you feel better. I keep Ellie and family in my prayers and thoughts.
Ellie I was so saddened to hear about Shondo’s passing. He was a wonderful and caring person. My parents very much enjoyed the friendship they shared with the two of you. Prayers to you and your children. Love Ray and Cindi Harris
Arlen was a man of wit, integrity, and a real straight-shooter. He was a walking sports encyclopedia and a wonderful guy to be around. Arlen was a loyal, devoted friend and a great comfort to my brother, Dave, in his final illness. Even though I did not know him well, I certainly knew well what a fine man he was. He will be greatly missed by his wonderful family, and it was an honor for me to know him. Condolences to Ellie and the family.