Jerry L. Miller

Jerry Lee Miller

December 21, 1941 – June 9, 2025

Jerry Lee Miller, 83, formerly of Goshen, IN and Sullivan, IN, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025. Jerry was born on December 21, 1941 in Goshen, IN, the first-born son of the late Robert Boyd and Jeanne Alice Miller. Jerry married Barbara Jean (Becker) Miller on August 14, 1964 in Ligonier, IN. Barb preceded Jerry in death after 44 years of marriage on March 23, 2009.

Jerry graduated from Ligonier High School in 1960, he earned a B.S. from Goshen College in 1964, an M.S. from Indiana State University in 1968, and an Ed.S. from Indiana Statue University in 1977. A lifelong educator, Jerry provided 29 years of dedicated service to Southwest School Corporation in Sullivan – 8 years as High School Principal (his favorite career role), 12 years as Assistant Superintendent, and 9 years as Superintendent. Jerry maintained strong relationships with everyone in the school community – he was quick to offer positive words of encouragement to students, parents, teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and school board members alike. He was a Principal known for leading the crowd in cheers at high school basketball games and rushing back to town after baseball playoff victories to put congratulatory wording on the sign in front of the high school. Jerry will be remembered for leading students in successful fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and for his work to bring class basketball to Indiana so that athletes attending small schools have a greater chance to experience a state championship win. Jerry also made time for community service. He was a founding member and the first President of the Kiwanis Club in Sullivan, an organization whose mission is to improve the world one child and one community at a time, and he was a member of the Lions Club and Rotary Club.

Following Jerry’s retirement, Jerry and Barb returned to their northern Indiana roots to be closer to family. They were active members of West Goshen Church of the Brethren, where Jerry enjoyed teaching Sunday school, working the annual fish fry, organizing ice cream socials, and spreading the good news through his work with the Gideons. Following retirement, Jerry launched a new full-time career in his most beloved role as “Gramps” to Katie, Carrie, Emma, Luke, and Sam. He loved cheering on his grandchildren in all of their activities, routinely driving many hours round trip to attend football, basketball, and baseball games, band concerts, award ceremonies, and anything else in which his grandchildren were involved. Jerry had a gift of being present and making those closest to him feel important. We will all miss his optimistic attitude and positive spirit.

In addition to Barb and his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his elder sister, Shirley Durham, and his in-laws, John and Jane Becker. Jerry is survived by his daughters Heidi (Craig) Tornquist of Mishawaka, IN and Heather (Joe) Kidwell of Zionsville, IN; his grandchildren Katie (John) Laiman of Schaumburg, IL, Luke Kidwell of Chicago, IL, Carrie (Josh) Haluska of Carmel, IN, Sam Kidwell of Zionsville, IN, and Emma Tornquist (fiancé AJ Tu) of Zionsville, IN; his sister Mary Lou (Scott) Hayden; his brother Dale (Patti) Miller; his brothers-in-law Russ (Patty) Becker and Dan (Brenda) Becker; his sister-in-law Connie (Ray) Hicks; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at West Goshen Church on Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m. Friends may call before the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be given to West Goshen Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.