Tanner Dee Miller, 27, passed away peacefully at his home on the early morning of November 8, 2019 surrounded by his family and friends after beating cancer for the past four years.
Tanner was born August 12, 1992 in Dodge City Kansas, the son of Dr. Gary R. Miller and Judy Beedles Miller. He attended Dodge City Public Schools and graduated from Dodge City High School in 2011. He later moved to Manhattan and attended Kansas State University, majoring in Business and Finance.
Tanner said the worst day of his life was on September 22, 2015 when he was diagnosed with Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC), a rare form of kidney cancer. On October 31st the MD Anderson Team removed one kidney and Tanner started on the cycle of many test drugs, and clinical trials along with various chemo treatments. Tanner spent numerous days at MD Anderson with his amazing cancer team. While many would have allowed this diagnosis to define them, Tanner did the complete opposite. He embraced life, built meaningful friendships, and, most importantly decided to live life on his terms. His time spent with the MD Anderson team will go on to benefit further research and treatment for those with RMC.
Tanner had the gift of being a natural entrepreneur. In middle school, he started his own lawn mowing business. He also had an eye for taking old items and restoring them and has blessed many with creations he designed.
Building friendships and valuing people was one of Tanner’s strengths. Tanner took the time to ask meaningful questions and could quickly convert strangers into friends and friends into family. Tanner’s greatest gift was his energy and ability to turn the dullest situation into a party. When you were around Tanner, you never quite knew what would happen but you always new it would end with laughter and great memories. Tanner’s witty personality and spontaneous energy will be remembered for life.
He is survived by his parents, Dr. Gary R. Miller and Judy Beedles Miller; sister, Halee Miller; niece, Sydnee Wilson; Aunt Janet and Uncle Dave Weaver, Uncle Dennis and Aunt Annie Miller, and Uncle Jay Berry; cousins Megan Nagel, Rusten Weaver, Michael Miller, Michelle Roberts, Jason and Justin Berry, Erin Sneller and Amber Summers.
Tanner was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Pauline Beedles, Conrad and Eva Miller, and Aunt Jeanette Berry.
Services will be Friday, November 15, 2:00p.m. at the University Christian Church, 2800 Claflin Road, Manhattan, KS 66503.
Following the service a continued Celebration of Life will be held at the Blue Hills Room, 2315 Tuttle Creek Blvd., in Blue Hills Shopping Center by RC McGraws, for a time to renew old friendships and share stories about Tanner.
Memorial contributions in memory of Tanner are suggested to RMC Research at MDAnderson (MDA). Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.