Mr. Larry L. Miller

Whether in Indianapolis, Kansas City or traveling the world, Larry L. Miller made friends and shared his humor and generous spirit with everyone he met. That spirit remains despite his passing on October 13, 2019 at the age of 63 after a lengthy and brave battle with cancer.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Denny and Margie Miller and his first wife, the mother of his children, Cathy Barnett. He is survived by his wife Elaine Lane of Lenexa, Kansas; his children Angela Miller Mitchell (Mark Mitchell) of Indianapolis and Valerie Pearson of Kirklin, Indiana; his siblings, Jeanie Krise of Noblesville, Indiana, Staci Delon of Noblesville, Indiana, and Denny Lee Miller (Michelle Miller) of Tampa, Florida. Larry was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren, Kadylin and Gabriel Pearson and Adrianna and Scarlett Mitchell. He also enjoyed time with his extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Larry was born October 17, 1955 in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in Kokomo, Indiana and maintained relationships with many of his childhood friends and classmates. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he attended Purdue University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. In 1980 Larry married Cathy Barnett; together they raised two daughters in Indianapolis, Indiana. He held a special affection for his extended family in Indiana and they enjoyed family gatherings, vacations, playing in the church band, coaching his daughters at soccer and spending time with his in-laws in Kempton, Indiana.

Larry worked in the bio-medical industry. His job took him all around the country, maintaining surgical laser equipment. He worked for Dornier MedTech for the last 15 years and found his job to be very rewarding. He developed close friendships with many colleagues at the Dornier office in Atlanta, Georgia as well as countless customers he proudly served. He loved meeting people within the healthcare industry. Outside of work and family, Larry loved adventure and playing and watching sports. During his hunting, skiing and motorcycle trips, good friends shared camaraderie as well as a few mishaps and broken bones. Larry was a diver in high school, enjoyed softball throughout his life and became an avid ping pong player with friends in Plainfield, Indiana and at the Lenexa Community Center. But nothing rivaled Larry’s unfailing support for his Indianapolis Colts; he was true blue to the core.

In 2007, Larry met Elaine Lane on an airplane and a new adventure began. During their long-distance romance, and throughout their courtship and marriage, they enjoyed extensive travel to favorite destinations such as New York, Toronto, Traverse City, Michigan, Brazil and Mexico. Elaine laughed at Larry’s jokes and appreciated his intelligence, wit and kindness. They shared many interests, including books, movies and exploring the world. Larry even introduced Elaine to Marvel superhero movies.

When Larry moved to the Kansas City area in 2017, he embraced his new community and his new extended family; he even adopted the Chiefs and the Royals. His illness never deterred him from attending games, making new Kansas City friends or trying new things. He fought cancer with modern medicine, a positive attitude and the love of friends and family. He made the most of every day.

Larry’s favorite poet, Robert Frost, wrote about the “road less traveled,” but Larry didn’t choose just one road – he took them all – with gusto, driving fast and laughing and caring for others along the way.

He will be missed but not forgotten and always loved.

After a private gathering with Kansas City friends and family, Larry will go back to Indiana one final time for burial at the Kempton, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, S County Road 1125 W. Kempton, Tipton County, Indiana.

A service will be held at the Kirklin Christian Church, 302 E. Jefferson, Kirklin, Indiana, on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 12:00 pm with graveside services to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.