Brian G. Miller

Brian was born in Springfield, Illinois, January 20, 1962, to Gordon and Wanda (Stegemann) Miller. He attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and Springfield High School. He graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a degree in Photographic Technology.

After graduating college, he managed a one-hour photo business which ranked number one in the country. He and his partners then opened a one-hour photo business which also offered portrait and wedding photography.

Brian’s photography career took him into yet another direction which led to a 28-year career with the Illinois State Police. He started by working in the photography lab. He then received specialized training to take photos of accidents and crime scenes. In addition, he also created documents for court such as forensic diagrams and animations. Brian trained other law enforcement officers within the ISP, local law enforcement personnel, and even the Indiana State Police in taking photos, documenting crime and crash scenes, and operating the drones. His hard work and dedication showed in everything he did and even gave him the opportunity to work on a top-secret case for the military during his career. Over the years, he received numerous commendations, awards, plaques, and certificates. The award he was most proud of and honored to receive was the Department Award for Achievement. This is the second highest award given within the Illinois State Police; and Brian received it for proposing, developing, and implementing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program to assist with processing accidents and crime scenes. Along with his team of colleagues, he brought this technology forward not only for Illinois but for other states across the country. Brian was a gifted mentor, teacher, and a friend to law enforcement. The training and techniques he developed during his career are still taught to law enforcement throughout the state today. The impact he has made, and continues to make, on the citizens of Illinois cannot possibly be measured.

After Brian retired from the ISP, he volunteered at Our Savior’s Lutheran School. He would fill in wherever he was needed. His love of teaching and training once again carried forward. He particularly enjoyed helping the children with dyslexia practice reading and also tutoring students in any subject. He always said that it gave him great joy when the “lightbulb” went on in a child’s mind. Because of his dedicated service, the school created the Brian Miller Service Award to be given to a graduating eighth grader each year with the most service hours. Brian was the first recipient of the award.

Brian was a member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. His faith was evident in all that he did whether at work or home. Over the years, Brian served as an usher, elder, Board of Directors, School Boards, several different committees and even coached at the school where his daughters attended. He also served on the Board of Directors at Camp CILCA for several years. He helped cook at their spring and fall fundraisers. He always wanted to be a witness of his faith. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he made sure that his faith came through to others. He always said that he was in a win-win situation: “If I am alive on earth, I am with my family. If I die, I am in heaven with my Lord.”

Throughout his life, Brian pursued many passions. He enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled airplanes with his father. He also enjoyed riding in any and all airplanes whether for work or pleasure. He loved Civil War and WWII history. That love of history carried over into his participation in the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry where he obtained the rank of Corporal. He took great pride serving in the Regiment.

He enjoyed camping and travelling with his family and friends. Brian never met a stranger while travelling. You could always find him chatting with everyone in the campground. He enjoyed travelling to Branson, MO. He had fun going to the late night Radio Show and seeing the Sons of Britches. He would always attend these shows numerous times during each visit. Brian and his wife Janet loved to ride bicycles together. They would ride 20-100 miles at a time. A ride that hit close to home for them was the Pedal the Cause fundraiser for the Siteman Cancer Center.

While the presence of Brian’s cancer overshadowed the last few years of his life, he would not allow it to define him or become his legacy. His legacy will always be his enduring faith and the immense love shared with his family and many life-long friends.

Brian is survived by his wife, Janet (Ball) of 40 years. Also surviving are his daughters, Katrina Miller of Springfield, Illinois, Amanda Miller of San Jose, California, and Anna Miller of Kokomo, Indiana; his mother, Wanda Miller; sister, Kim Haynes (Craig); nephews, Matthew Haynes (Sonja), Adam Haynes, and Carl Haynes. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Miller.

Visitation: Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL with Rev. Neil Ristow officiating. Burial will be at Farmington Cemetery in Pleasant Plains, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1247-414-2100, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105 or online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute; Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL 62704; or Camp CILCA, 4124 County Rd. 4 ½ W., Cantrall, IL 62625.