My heart goes out to the Miller family on the loss of Brian. May God Bless you all. Clem, Mary Ann, Jeanine, Eric and Joann. Sending hugs to you all

It's been a shock since i heard that Brian was sick and to hear of his passing. Honestly, I've been avoiding grieving. Selfishly these last two years I didn't think that I'd lose anyone that I knew, especially family. He may not have been a blood relative, but my definition of family is a bit different. I knew him from Ivy Tech Community College as I was a student lab tech in the biotechnology department and he would come in often to the office where I studied in my down time. He talked to me a lot, encouraged me, and told me goofy stories that made me laugh. He wasn't even my professor and he still had a profound impact on my life.  Sir? I tip my hat to you.

I only knew Brian for about a year, but I liked him from the first day we met. Rest easy my friend, till we meet again. My thoughts and prayers to the remaining family, sorry for your loss!!

I always looked forward to seeing Brian and catching up every April at the annual meeting of funeral service educators (ABFSE). He was such a delight to talk to and he continually challenged us to make a difference in students' lives. He will be missed by so many. Our sincerest condolences to the entire Miller family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

To Brian's Family,
I met Brian for the first time at Joel Long's Memorial Service and then later learned that he would be the funeral director at Connersville.  As a bi-vocational minister I officiated several funerals with Brian and staff at Showalter Blackwell Long FH.  I was looking forward to a long relationship but that was short lived. I won't be able to be with you for his service so wanted to share my thoughts with you here.  It has been said, "Love isn't put in your heart to stay - love isn't love until you give it away."  Brian loved  his family , his job, and his community of friends.  His profession is one of love for others during hard times in their lives.  He helped people when they really needed it most through the loss of a loved one.  Now you , his family, are feeling the love that Brian gave to others during the test of bereavement.  May you feel he warmth of Go's Spirit and the comfort of family and friends.  In His Service.
Rev. Eric Hopkins

Sorry to hear of this loss.  As a Pastor I have had the pleasure of working with several Directors.  Brian was friendly, compassionate and loved his job.  I enjoyed talking with him and ministering with him to the families.  He will be missed.  My prayers to his family, friends and those he worked with..  

Most people think that when you work in the Funeral Industry and you deal with death day in and out that you become immune to the shock and sadness that comes with experiencing death. However, most individuals who work in the Funeral Industry are some of the most compassionate and selfless people you will ever meet. We mourn just like everyone else does. We aren’t immune to sadness or the heartache of death. The hurt goes even deeper when it’s a member of our work family. In the almost two years I worked Brian Miller, I learned a wealth of knowledge, I laughed at his singing to classic rocks songs, ate more Mexican food than humanly possible, had deep conversations about life & death and quoted the movie Road House on a daily basis. He was an exceptional Manager, Funeral Director and Individual. It was an Honor to serve Families with you Brian, you will never be forgotten by the Staff of Showalter Blackwell Long.


Brian...you  showed me I could be more. That I could have a career and be a mom. I don't know why we always lose the good one's too early but we do. I remember the last time we spoke, funnily it was in a prep room. Hearing you tell me you were proud of  my work was the best day ever. You were truly a legend, and legends never really leave us. 

The life of an exceptional and truly caring and talented funeral director, often requires one to be away from those they love on holidays, special events, long hours, leaving early or arriving late. As directors we take that oath, full knowing the sacrifices we and our families will have to make. This very oath that Brian recited, upheld and taught his many former students, who because of that oath and dedication can humbly call ourselves his colleagues now. Thank you Brian for your down to earth, honest and passionate regard for our profession and the families we serve. Thank you to Jill and family for graciously sharing Brian with all of us, who are better because we knew him, and will continue his legacy in funeral service because of the dedication and guidance he gave to us all.  Blessings and prayers for you all.

Brian Miller was a wonderful part of the Ivy Tech family.  We missed him when he left to pursue other opportunities and he will truly be missed at his passing.   Brian had a gift of making people laugh with his dry sense of humor.  He was a very intelligent man who gave vision to the Mortuary Science Program at Ivy Tech.  His hard work will live on.  My sincere condolences to his family and understand the great loss you have all suffered.

Brian was an amazing faculty member.  The Mortuary Program at Ivy Tech would never have gotten off the ground without his devotion and dogged belief in our students.  I was privileged to accompany him on several required accreditation trips.  I so enjoyed his stories and his humor.  I also learned to watch out for his passion when it came to our students.  I only had to restrain him down a couple of times when comments about his program were made by accreditation teams!!  I know with certainty that he has made a difference in countless lives at Ivy Tech - his students, his fellow faculty members and the members of the staff.  
I will always be grateful to Brian for allowing me to share in a little of that passion.
Rest in Peace my Friend.   
Dr. Kathy Lee,  Retired Ivy Tech Chancellor 

Brian, was a passionate and caring instructor. He fought for his students and his program . Brian also was so funny and shared great stories and liked showing off his wood working projects,  especially his unique wooden pens. Condolences to his wife and family. 

Dear Jill and family, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Brian. May the Lord surround your family with love, compassion and beautiful memories today, tomorrow and forever……xoxo Sharon Cook 
Marco Island Florida 

I was a librarian and liaison to the mortuary science department at Ivy Tech for a short time, but I will always remember Brian. He was so helpful in helping me learn the ropes and frankly was just a fun person to sit and talk to. He had such a wicked sense of humor. 😊 I am deeply saddened by the news of this loss, as all who knew him could see what a great person he was. 

Brian was my best friend in high school and was that very rare person who placed no conditions on friendship.  His big smile, endless sense of humor, and larger than life personality made everything we did together fun and memorable.   We logged a lot of miles in my 1978 Chevette going to Indianapolis or Dayton to catch heavy metal concerts.  Brian was my friend during some tough times and some times when I did not deserve his friendship, but he was always there.  Life got in the way and we lost touch, but there has not been a single week over the years that I have not thought of my friend, Brian.  To think that I will now not have a chance to see that smile again is beyond comprehension.  Clem, Mary Ann, Jeannine, Eric, Jo Ann,  and Jill I am so very, very sorry.  Kyle, Kasey, and Kendal I wish I had the right words for you.  May your memories of the beautiful person that was your father give you some consolation.  The world is darker today without my friend.

I am so sad to see that Brian has passed. 💔 He was always so kind, funny and smart in high school and it was always fun to be around him!! 
I know that his family and close friends will miss him so much. I will keep you all in my prayers.🙏      
             With Sympathy,
               Kelly Cloud Koons

I just found out that brian passed away! I'm in total shock! What a wonderful man he was! He helped me though a ruff time when our mom passed away! As we were leaving I started to shake his hand and he said "oh no"  bring it in here for a hug, we are family now!! He had big shoes to fill, and I can say "HE FiLLED THEM! God as truly gained an angel! Please, im sending my hugs and prayers to the whole family!!   God bless u all!!  💔💔💔💔

It was an honor and joy to meet Brian and welcome him as manager of our funeral homes.  He was a man of integrity who had every expertise to follow the tradition of compassionately serving families at Showalter Blackwell Long.  He touched the lives of many the short time he was with us. We are deeply saddened with his loss.  Sincere condolences to his dear wife, children, parents & siblings.  


I am so very sorry to hear the passing of Brian, he was a very nice man . He was very kind to my family when our mother passed away last August. My prayers are with his family and friends

Mary Ann, Clem, Jeannie, Eric and Jo Ann...I am so sorry to read about Brian's passing..  May he rest in heaven. A really good friend years ago but we lost contact. I'm so sorry!

Brian you were super cool man, and you will missed a great deal. I will miss all of our far out conversations and you showing me the crafts you would make. I pray to God that he gives your family strength through this tough time.  Adam McCarley your friend from Ivy Tech. 

A man always full of life.  You always had a plan and worked towards it and then some.  You and Jill have a wonderful family.  Prayers for them and your parents and entire family.  You leave a huge void. Thank you for introducing me to some great music. 

The memories are flooding back. Cruising the streets of Connersville blaring Judas Priest on the radio loud enough for people in the neighboring towns to hear. Night fishing until nearly dawn and all we would catch was a headache from the cigars we used as mosquito repellent. You turned me on to wading the river during the white bass run and I still go a couple times a year. I think we knew the lines to Smokey and the Bandit better than the actual actors did. We always had a good time together. Thank you my friend for the many fond memories. 

There really are no words to adequately describe what a wonderful man Brian Miller was to so many. He believed deeply in each and every one of his students and took the time to meet each one of us where we were. He invested more time than he was compensated for (I’m sure) to find out what our strengths, challenges, goals, and dreams were individually. He challenged us daily to not only succeed, but to soar. It was important to him to ensure that when we graduated, we were not only prepared to pass State and National Board Exams, but to serve the deceased and their families with dignity and honor every single step of the way. I personally would not be where I am today (in my career or life) if it were not for this man, his guidance, encouragement, and truly- his personal belief in me. Throughout my time in Mortuary School, Brian met me at some of my lowest and most challenging moments of life and made sure I never lost sight of my passion to serve and serve well. Indiana funeral service will be forever grateful for this man.

Brian was excellent funeral director and a better friend. He worked for us for several years.  He was the best. 
We will cherish our time with Brian and offer our prayers to Jill and his family for comfort and peace. 

Professor Brian Miller. It’s hard for me to describe the impact he had on me, but it was absolutely massive. His drive, passion, and love for his family, our profession as Funeral Directors,  paved the way for me to want to follow no one else but him.  Everything I do as a Funeral Director is with him in mind, and remembering the values and dignity he instilled in me. I will truly miss him, and I pray so hard for his family he loved and talked so highly about. ❤️

Brian was my Mortuary Science professor. It was obvious how important his students were to him, he would go out of his way to make sure that we all were going to succeed in funeral service after graduation. During breaks between class he’d show us his fancy pens he made or his wands. We were always more than ok with Mr. Miller sitting down at our table during lunch to chat about anything and everything. Before I applied to the mortuary program, Brian let me job shadow him to make sure I had some sort of experience before diving into something that isn’t for everyone.  I’ve never had a teacher care so much about my future. I’m so upset over his passing, and I owe my entire career as a funeral director to him. I am forever grateful.   His family and friends are in my thoughts 🖤

Brian was a great wealth of information for us and was always willing to provide continuing education for our association. He was a great instructor for the upcoming funeral directors in the industry and always willing to offer more than just what a textbook offered. He will be greatly missed by all of us here.

Condolences to the family - such a great loss! Many fond memories at Dolphin swim meets. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻   RIP  Brian.        Paul and Lynn Thornburg 

Dear Clem and Mary Ann, I'm so very sorry about Brian's passing. I remember him so well from my bus route. He was always so well behaved....well, almost always. Ha! I knew he would be successful as an adult and he certainly was. I send my sympathy to all of your family and will remember you in my prayers. Carolyn Doub


I was shocked to hear of Brian's death, he was always so compassionate , caring, & innovative. I can't find the words to utterly describe this wonderful man,,,,,,my condolences to the family I am so sorry with you.Save me a place on the old fishing hole my old friend.

                               David C. Sharts
I used to work with Brian at D.O. McComb & Sons

OBITUARY

Brian Douglas Miller

February 7, 1967 – February 10, 2022

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