Harlan Lee Miller

Harlan Lee Miller, 83, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at his home January 19^th, 2023, after a 2-year battle against Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his sister Jean Pavela and her two children and their families, his daughter Diane A. Miller and his son Warren L. Miller and his wife Noelle. Additionally, he is also survived by his ex-wife Barbara A. Roever who is Warren and Diane’s mother. After divorcing in the 80’s, Harlan and Barbara remained close good friends until his passing, and we are so thankful they were able to maintain this relationship throughout his marriage to Dorothy (Milano) Miller who preceded him in death one year ago.

Harlan was also preceded in death by his parents, Harlan W. and Frances M. (McClean) Miller. Born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, Harlan’s early years were filled with working at the family business, Miller Print Shop, 821 Vermont, while becoming an amateur/semi-professional magician by the name of “Mysto the Great”. Eventually he used his skills as magician and printer to start the Kard Castle Magic Company where he invented, designed, printed and sold his cards tricks.

When Harlan was in his late teens, he would enter his 1937 Ford Coupe drag racing car in various races. In 1958, Harlan earned his first victory, “First Place, E Gas, Kansas City Drags, 4-20-1958.” In 1959, with Harlan’s 1932 Purple Ford Drag Racing Pickup Truck named “Pigpen”, he won his first “National” trophy at the American Hot Rod Association’s 1959 Championship Drags at Great Bend, KS, “B-Competition on Gas” Top Speed and “B-Competition on Gas” Top Eliminator.”

Harlan’s non-magic and non-racing career allowed him to work locally in Lawrence for Burnett Instruments, Norris Brothers, Inc., and finally starting his own electrical contracting business, Alliance Electric, Inc. Later in life, after selling his company, Harlan worked and lived in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon as he and his wife Dorothy (Dotty) enjoyed and fell in love with the RV Lifestyle traveling from one construction project to the next. Harlan was truly one of the “World’s Greatest Electricians” affirmed by a plaque on his office wall. After retirement, Harlan and Dotty continued traveling the country in their RV, seeing America while hunting for gravestones and cemeteries to further along their Genealogy search that they loved doing so much. (As an aside, Harlan and Dotty have been previously featured in Journal World articles detailing their Genealogy searches and his incredible organization.)

Harlan’s other hobbies included, “fixing anything that needed to be fixed or building anything that needs to be built,” U.S. and worldwide stamp collecting, hunting for antiques, square dancing (this is where he met Dotty) or just playing a good old fashion game of cards.

Harlan will be cremated and inurned at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS alongside his wife Dotty, his parents and their family.  There will be no visitation or funeral as the family will be holding a private ceremony at a later date.

We ask that any gifts or donations be made in memory of Harlan L. Miller and sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163 or they can be reached at 1-800-708-7644 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Our family thanks you for your support.

Harlan L. Miller. Son. Brother. Father. Husband. Friend. You will always be in our hearts, and you will be missed every day. May you be in pain-free peace to travel the heavens in your RV with Dotty. We love you and will miss you dearly.