Thomas Leon Miller

Thomas (Tom) L. Miller, born October 12, 1934, in Utica, Kansas, to F.C. (Clark) and Hazel Miller, passed away February 3, 2026, at Aldersgate Village Home Plus, in Topeka Kansas.

A man of great achievement and dedication, Tom's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to education, community service, and leadership.

Tom graduated from Oakley High School in 1952 and pursued higher education at Kansas State University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1957. He furthered his academic journey with a master's degree from Fort Hays State University in 1966. Tom was a distinguished member of the Phi Epsilon Kappa honorary physical education fraternity, where he served as president, as well as a member of the Kappa Mu Epsilon honorary mathematics fraternity and the Alpha Gamma Rho social fraternity.

Following his graduation from Kansas State University, Tom served in the US Army, where he was responsible for cryptography, coding and decoding secret messages, and coached the Army battalion basketball team. After his military service, Tom dedicated six years to teaching mathematics and physical education and was the head basketball coach at the high school level in Stafford and Ness City, KS.

Tom transitioned from education to a successful career in the insurance industry, beginning as a policy examiner for the Kansas Insurance Department. He then joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where he worked for over 30 years, retiring as President and CEO. Tom's leadership extended to roles as President of HMO Kansas, Administrative Services of Kansas, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Advance Insurance Company. He also served on the board of the National Association of Blue Plans, chaired numerous national committees, and was a founding member of the Tri-Care Insurance Company for retired military and their dependents. Tom was a Certified Health Actuary and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

His community involvement was extensive, serving on boards such as the Sunflower Foundation, Aldersgate Life Plan Community, The United Way, Topeka Chamber of Commerce, and Merchants National Bank. Tom volunteered as a senior health insurance counselor for Kansans at Stormont Vail Health and was a volunteer for Junior Achievement and Boy Scouts and was an active member of Crestview United Methodist Church. He received the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award.

Tom enjoyed golf, square dancing with Elouise, woodworking, gardening, attending K-State football games and traveling. The family will cherish family trips to Disney, Hawaii and Emerald Isle, North Carolina. For many years Tom had weekly lunches with his friends, who named themselves the ROMEO club (real old men eating out).

Tom married Elouise Joyce Postier on April 5, 1958, and together they built a life filled with love and service. Tom and Elouise enjoyed traveling together and exploring new destinations. While Tom served two years in Germany during his time in the Army, He and Elouise visited Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as taking a Rhine River Cruise. Later in life they continued their travels with trips including an Alaskan Cruise, Panama Canal Cruise, and various Kansas State Alumni Trips.

He is survived by his beloved wife Elouise, daughter Brenda Mills (Brian) of Lawrence, son Scott Miller (Laura) of Hutchinson, and four grandchildren: Adam Miller (Jessica), Alyssa Lesser (Adam), Morgan Mills Vera (Carlos), and Joseph Mills (Nicole).

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Roy, Marvin, Larry, and Max, and sisters Donna May, and Marilyn.

The funeral ceremony will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11 o’clock in the morning, at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka, Kansas, 66614. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church or Aldersgate Village. 

Donate to Crestview United Methodist Church: Crestview UMC Website Link

Donate to Aldersgate Village: Aldersgate Village Donation Link

Tom’s friendly, engaging personality, his love for his family and friends, and his leadership, service and dedication for his community will be his enduring legacy.

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