Thomas Harvey Miller

Thomas H. Miller lived a life dedicated to service, leadership, family, and helping others. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, his answer was simple: he liked to help people. That commitment guided his life at home, in the fire service, in organized labor, and throughout the State of Indiana.

Born September 9, 1946 at St. Vincent in Indianapolis, Tom was the youngest child of Harry and LaVerne Miller. He was preceded in life by his parents and was the beloved brother of Raymond, Paul, Charles, and Shirley Patz. Tom experienced tragedy at an early age when his father, an Indianapolis firefighter, was killed in the line of duty when Tom was just nine years old. That loss helped shape a lifelong dedication to the fire service and those who serve their communities.

Tom was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, attended Holy Cross Grade School, Cathedral High School, and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1964. Following graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Tioga County, earning the respect of those who served alongside him.

On October 24, 1981, Tom married the love of his life, Barbara "Barb" Miller, at St. John's Catholic Church. Together they built a loving family and shared more than four decades of marriage. Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by Barb and their children, Stephanie, Thomas, Joseph (Madison) and Claire, along with his grandson Benjamin and extended family who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

In 1968, Tom began a distinguished 37-year career with the Indianapolis Fire Department. Rising through the ranks to captain, he retired in December 2005 after a career marked by dedication, professionalism, and advocacy for firefighters. His service extended far beyond the firehouse. In 1971, he was elected a trustee of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters Local 416, and in 1974 he was elected vice president.

Tom's influence on the fire service reached across Indiana and throughout North America. He served as President of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana from 1978 to 2002 and was elected the International Association of Fire Fighters' 8th District Vice President in 2000, representing firefighters in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan. In 2010, he was elected General Secretary-Treasurer of the IAFF, one of the union's highest offices, where he served until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his career, Tom was a tireless advocate for firefighters, retirees, and their families.

Beyond his fire service career, Tom was widely respected for his expertise in firefighter pensions and benefits. In 1986, Governor Robert Orr appointed him to the 1977 Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension and Disability Fund Advisory Board. Reappointed by four successive governors, he became chairman of the board in 1990 and remained a trusted advocate for retired and active public safety professionals throughout his tenure. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest civilian honor, by two governors: Frank O'Bannon and Eric Holcomb.

Tom's interests extended well beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a passionate supporter of Indianapolis sports teams and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his teams. He also loved politics and became a familiar and respected presence at the Indiana Statehouse, where lawmakers and public officials from both parties knew him as a thoughtful advocate and trusted friend.

While his accomplishments were many, those who knew Tom best will remember his generosity, his loyalty, his sense of humor, and his willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed help. Whether serving his country, protecting his community, advocating for firefighters, supporting his family, or mentoring others, Tom lived a life centered on service.

His legacy endures through the countless lives he touched, the firefighters he represented, the family he cherished, and the simple principle he lived by every day: helping people.

Visitation for Tom will take place from 2:00-8:00pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Community Life Center, 10612 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229. A funeral mass will be held the next day at 10:00am on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7243 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 followed by a private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Survive Alive or Rock Steady Boxing.