Gene Verlon Miller, 74, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, October 16, 2015, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Gene was born on July 06, 1941, on the family farm in Dorrance, Kansas, the son of David and Ruth (Cook) Miller.  He grew up in the Dorrance and Russell area and attended school in Dorrance and achieved his high school diploma from the Chicago Home School program.  As a young man he joined the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Riley Military Base in Ft. Riley, Kansas.  He met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Joan Esther Lebsack on December 28, 1981, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  He worked for the Sanitation Department for the City of Russell and retired from the city after 34 years of service.  He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  He was known to be a very private person and referred to as "Mr. Clean" because he loved doing yard work and took great satisfaction in helping keep the community clean.  He also enjoyed performing odd jobs for people in the community, nature watching and he loved his dogs.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joan Miller of the home, step daughter Carla Jo Kontour of Russell; stepsons Dale Henry and wife Doreen of Greeley, Colorado and Michael Henry of Colby, Kansas; brothers Gerald Miller of Great Bend, Kansas and Gaylon Miller and wife Brenda of Hutchinson, Kansas; many grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents, grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with John Dumler, PMA officiating.  Cremation will follow the services and a private burial will take place at a later date.  Military rites will be performed by the V.F.W. Post# 6240 of Russell, Kansas.  Viewing and visitation will take place from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Russell County Veterans Memorial and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.