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Vern Miller Obituary
June 11, 2021
Wichita, Kansas - Vern A. Miller, Legendary Kansas Lawman and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 92. In his professional life, he was a champion for the underdog. Vern also loved and treasured his family with the same amount of charisma and gusto he demonstrated in his work for justice and public service.
Vern is preceded in death by his father John L. Miller, mother Neva Pearl Drum Miller, brothers John L. Miller, Daniel L. Miller and George E. Miller, sisters Pauline C. Unruh and Wanda N. Farmer and daughter Jamie R. Gerstner. He is survived by his wife Paula M. Miller, sons Marty R. Miller (Cynthia), Clifford L. Miller (Debbie) and Christopher L. Miller (Cathy), daughter Lindsey R. Womack and 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Celebration of life is to be announced. In honor of his memory, memorials have been established with Botanica, The Wichita Gardens (701 N. Amidon, 67203) and Hospice at Home of Arizona (2500 Power Rd., Ste 125A, Mesa, AZ, 85209).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vern Miller
John M. Whitney
May 28, 2022
Sheriff Miller......you were a mentor to me while I was a Reserve Officer with the Sedgwick County S.O. from 1966 to 1968.
I am now 77 and retired Army Warrant Officer and am just so thankful that our paths crossed when I was so young......your example has carried me through Vietnam and Hurricane Katrina........rest in peace my friend.
Kathy Kennard
August 16, 2021
In the short amount of time that I got to know Vern through the Municipal Courts, he quickly became my favorite attorney on the docket. Working with him was always a pleasure, he was kind, had the best contagious smile, and had a good story or joke to share. My mom, having never met him in person, still thought highly of him based on what she read and saw of him on the news. Although it has been years since I have seen him, it still saddened me to find he had passed. What a life he had! My thoughts are with the family.
Fran Albert
June 30, 2021
Rest in Peace.
SAMBIT MONDAL
June 16, 2021
My association with Vern started in the last two decades of his life. Even in failing health he was more interested in others troubles and their well being, than his own. It would seem, in service of others he found the fuel of happiness - the motto which all greats in the past have talked about, Vern’s life was an example of how to put it in practice.
To Paula and all the rest of his family - even though Vern has passed on to the other side, his light burns in many of us who he touched.
I can still hear him say very emphatically “ doc I am doing great, doing the very best with what time I have” - I hope I can replicate his attitude in my life.
Here is to “Vern the ever positive”
Kevin Kitchen
June 15, 2021
Wasn't in tune with his politics but he was an honourable man and served the people of Kansas without scandal. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with the family during this time.
Lonnie Schwindaman
June 15, 2021
I attended elementary school through high school with Clifford. I regarded him as a good friend (and still do even though it has been years since we have been in contact.)
My favorite Vern story was the time in 2nd Grade when Clifford brought a glass pickle jar to school with a tarantula that Vern had caught down in Oklahoma. That was so cool.
My sympathies to the Miller Family. Vern put his life in harms way many times for our (the public's) protection. God bless all the men and women who do the same.
Wanda Coleman
June 15, 2021
I met Ven when I worked for the Wichita Police Dept. in the early 1980’s. He wore many hats throughout his career and was always kind and spoke to me. To the family, I’m sorry for your loss.
Charlie Bowen
June 14, 2021
He was a great best friend of mine for years he will be missed by Charlie Bowen and family
Jennifer Johnson
June 14, 2021
Vern and Paula were good friends with my parents while I was growing up in Mulvane. They were alway kind to me, and Vern Miller and Paul Clark were major influences in my decision to be an attorney. My condolences to the family.
Lisa Cole
June 14, 2021
I am so sad about this. Vern was always such a pleasure to be around. I worked in three same building as he did over at Justice Suites. He was truly a fascinating man and a legend, indeed. He took life by the horns and he will be missed very much. The world lost a wonderful man. My condolences to the family. Rest in eternal peace, Vern.
Patricia Black
June 14, 2021
Jamie an family, So sorry to hear about your Dad passing. Fly with the Eagles Mr. Miller, your now at peace..
Patricia Black
June 14, 2021
Jamie an family, So sorry to hear about your Dad passing. Fly with the Eagles Mr. Miller, your now at peace..
Paula Johnson
June 14, 2021
Sad to see him go was a great man
Rita Campbell
June 14, 2021
Uncle Vern was an incredible man. I remember in the 70's, he was called "Super Sheriff". I always loved being around him, he was full of positive energy. I admired how he treated everyone, I admired how he lived his life, and I admired how he could play the boogie on the piano. Anyone who knew him admired him. He was truly a good man. Vern believed that if it was a law, he was going to uphold it. He was honest in all his dealings. Vern checked on my mother on a daily basis in their older years. I'm sure the Miller family reunion in heaven is a joyful celebration! There will never be another like Vern Miller. I love him dearly, and will miss him so much.
Vicki L Baker
June 14, 2021
My deepest Sympathies to Vern's wife, Son's and rest of his family. Rest in peace Vern I know you are riding a motorcycle, singing, eating plenty of heated pie with ice cream and telling your stories. Your warm heart made you a very special person in my life.
Vicki Baker
Sarah Norman Harvey
June 14, 2021
Vern was such a congenial man. He always spoke to you rarely at you. I saw him occasionally at the courthouse when I was a student intern & as a clerk in district court. If it hadn't been for his & others encouragement, I never would have graduated from OCU. Thank you Very.
Sarah Norman Harvey
Nola Tedesco Foulston
June 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to Paula and Marty and Cliff and their families. I will always remember your dad as a powerhouse, great friend and colleague. I worked for him four years as an Assistant District Attorney... He is and always will be a legend. Nola Tedesco Foulston
Nola Tedesco Foulston
June 13, 2021
We will certainly miss our legendary lawman Vern Miller. I worked for him during his term as District Attorney in Sedgwick County. He was an incredible man, and he will certainly be missed by all his colleagues and friends. My condolences to Paula, Marty and Cliff...
Sandy Guertin
June 13, 2021
Great boss, great man. I can remember some pretty funny stories. My thoughts go out to his family. RIP Vern. Stay well Cliff and Marty.
CHUCK SCHECHNER
June 13, 2021
As a reporter I covered many stories with Vern. He was a great guy who cared for people. My most memorable was covering a cockfight raid in which Vern wrestled a man to the ground after the guy tried to take the tape recorder from a reporter's hands.
Harry Simpson
June 13, 2021
Godspeed Vern, and thank you for your service to Sedgwick County and the State of Kansas. A wonderful and unforgettable legacy.
Ron Muller
June 13, 2021
I remember him fondly like a second father. He brought guidance and good thoughts to my young life. Are hunting experiences back then are priceless.
Cindy Robertson Bonus
June 13, 2021
I meet Vern as a child when my mother worked for him at the Sheriff’s office, Many years later I had a flat tire one night between Derby and Mulvane. He stopped to check on the car with flashers. When I told him who my mother was he knew my name and asked about my family. He then removed my tire in his suit in the rain. Took me to Mulvane fixed the tire and took me back to the car and put my tire back on. It just confirmed the kind of man my mother always said he was. RIP Mr. Miller and thank you again for your kindness.
Dana Albertson
June 13, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers go to your family. My father knew Vern from WPD (Harlan "Pinky" Groves)
Gary A Brown
June 13, 2021
Remember him well, He was one fine leader and his men respected him. Remember seeing him after he became a law and he joked about how he put them in jail for so many years, now was the time to get them out. Finally he's gone 10-7
Steve Webb
June 13, 2021
A great American who loved boxing.
John Terry Moore
June 13, 2021
Vern was a good friend and former law partner. He spent his life caring about Kansans and helping people. He loved his family and worked hard for his clients. Kansas has lost a Legend. We will all miss him.
Alisa Hernandez
June 12, 2021
Sorry for your loss. My father was friends with Vern . Prayers for all of you.
Wayne Wilson
June 12, 2021
I was L.E. from 1961 until 1996. I remember being around Sheriff and AG Miller many times. This man will never best equaled in his work and dedication. He would never send his men and women on anything HE would not do. He WILL be missed, especially by the people that knew him. RIP Sheriff and sorry you are 10-7
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