Larry Richard Miller

Larry Richard Miller, 84, of Fort Wayne, died Monday December 9, 2024. Born April 2, 1940, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the son of the late Donald O. and Marguerite S. Miller. He was a 1958 graduate of South Side High School. After high school he started working at Decorator’s Supply on North Anthony Boulevard delivering paints and supplies. He eventually moved into a paint salesman role, visiting clients and making lifelong friends. He then worked for Norm’s Paint Supply and retired in 2002. He proudly served in the Indiana Air National Guard Reserves as APR Warehousing Specialist AFSC 64750 at Baer Field, Fort Wayne, IN, in the 122D Tactical Fighter Group from September 1963 to March 1965. He also played hockey for the Fort Wayne Pepsi Komets as Center in 1964/65 season. In 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Valerie, and had 47 wonderful years together until her death in 2012.

He was a long-time member of Fort Wayne Turners since 1968. In 2004, he received the Vorwarts award which is the highest distinction for a Fort Wayne Turner member for years of volunteering their time for the club. He volunteered working at Germanfest, Johnny Appleseed and Wing Dings to name a few. He also served on the Turner Board as Maintenance Trustee. He attended yearly American Turners bowling, golf and softball tournaments, as well as social leagues. He coached men’s and women’s softball teams, leading some to city titles and tournament winners. He also coached his grandson’s high school bowling team alongside his daughter, Joleen.

Most of all Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchild. Whether it was a trip to New York, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Ireland, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo or Coney Island, Larry enjoyed every moment. The grandkids loved their annual tradition of visiting the pumpkin patch, Coney Island dinner and Fantasy of Lights drive through with grandpa.

He was a snowbird and enjoyed his time in Arizona with life partner, Sheri Riley. He enjoyed golfing, socializing at the VFW and RV park and cheering on the Browns and IU Basketball.

He had a “go with the flow” type of attitude with a kind smile and big heart. He touched so many lives and he left us with many happy memories and friendships. He will forever be in our hearts. Heaven has gained a wonderful man.

He is survived by daughter, Joleen E. (Brian) Gottwald; son, Jason E. (Emily) Miller; grandchildren, Nathan Burns & Makayla Whaley; Aaron (Taylor) Burns, Ty (Maysie) Miller, Torie Miller, Zach (Saige) Gottwald; great grandchild Rylan Burns; brother Dave Miller, sisters-in-law Linda (Jack) Christen, Patty Wolfcale, Jean (Dave) Fry; nieces Jennifer Miller, Jaime (Greg) Majewski; nephews Jeff (Kim) Bartlett; John Felger; John (Sarah) Miller, Justin Miller; Tony (Theresa) Christen; many great nieces and nephews;

He is also survived by life partner Sheri Riley; Sheri’s family - sons David (Salina)Stewart, and Eric Stewart; daughter Erin (Phillip) Salisbury; grandchildren Annabel, Iris and Thomas Salisbury; Nathan Stewart and Natalie Santos.

He is preceded in death by wife Valerie Miller, sister Bonnie Felger, grandchild Nick Gottwald, brother-in-law Jim Wolfcale.

Visitation and Celebration of Life is 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Fort Wayne Turners, 3636 Parnell Ave., followed by remarks at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials to Fort Wayne Turners, 3636 Parnell Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 or Saint Joe Athletic Club, 817 Anderson Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.