Michael Miller

Michael Alan Miller, 83, of Lawrence, KS passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Michael was born on November 14, 1941, to Albert and Mary Jane Miller in Kansas City, MO. They both preceded him in death. He graduated from Westport High School in 1959. He continued his education at the University of Kansas earning a BA in English in 1963, a Master's Degree in English in 1965, and a PhD in English Education in 1974. He began his teaching career in 1965 at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. Michael loved teaching, especially working with non-traditional students who were the first in their family to attend college and re-entry students who had not been in school for many years. He was a nurturing instructor, but he also set high standards. Michael received numerous awards for his teaching, including the Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Education. After he and his wife, Pat, moved to Lawrence in 2003, he continued to teach part time for several years.

He continued to serve people by volunteering at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, providing care and comfort to patients and their families and just being helpful where he could. In 2024 he received the Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award. When his daughters were young, he served as PTA president at Indian Creek Elementary School, then went on to serve two terms on the Board of Education in the Center School District in Kansas City, MO.

Michael never passed up a chance to spend time with his grandchildren, he attended their various sports activities, numerous music concerts and other school events. with them, though, was just talking to hear all about their school and jobs and their lives. And for any of them who were taking an English course, he'd always ask ‘What are you reading?’ and ask them to discuss it with him. Michael was a voracious reader and kept a record of all the books he read. Since 1982, he read 3954 books of various genres. A student to the end, he read many spiritual books and would journal his thoughts on them. He believed in the power of words and how they could be used to give hope, encouragement, happiness and love.

Michael married his loving wife, Pat, on August 2, 1986. Michael is survived by Pat and his five children. Amy Elholm (John) Roseville, MN, Karen Haake (Evan) DeSoto, KS, Rob Pruitt, Cedar Falls, IA, Matthew Pruitt (Christina) Ottawa, KS, and Melanie Pruitt (Ben) Osceola, MO. He also leaves behind 10 very loved grandchildren.

Michael was a kind and gentle man, always responding with love. He was a huge animal lover and had the biggest heart. He will be so missed by all who knew him.

Services for Michael will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary: 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lawrence Memorial Health Foundation, Help and Healing Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.