October 24, 1950 – July 18, 2025

Thomas A Miller of Steamboat Springs, CO passed away July 18, 2025 in his home. He was born October 24, 1950 in Ashtabula, Ohio, to the late Jennie and William Miller.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Darlene Coursen. He is survived by his wife Melinda, his step daughter Ashley Edinburg (husband Jason), his step son Whitman Shenk, his daughter-in-law, Lazuli Whitt, and grandchildren Paloma Edinburg and Ozzie and Huckleberry Shenk. In Ohio he will be missed by his nieces Lisa Severino and Amy Coursen and in North Carolina, his nephew Michael Coursen.

Thomas graduated from Ashtabula High school in 1969. From tiny Ashtabula on the shores of Lake Erie, he enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. They were a sometimes cold, often hungry, exciting and wonderful two years. His passion for the theatre was solidified.

A return to Ashtabula included several jobs, and in
1974, Thomas and his partner Laura Connors (Hull) spent 6 months traveling in Europe. After their return they were hired at the Ashtabula Arts Center to head up the Theatre Department.

For the next ten years, Thomas and Laura worked tirelessly to create a successful and exceptional theatre experience. The GB Theatre. By 1985 they were able to justify building a new theatre space onto the existing building.

In 1986, Thomas moved to Cleveland Heights, OH and began a new career as a wood worker. All of his experience building sets served him well. Before long he had eleven employees and was building furniture for Cleveland’s premier interior designers.

In 1990 Thomas married Melinda, a faux finish painter and previous co-worker at the Arts Center.

In 2004 Thomas and Melinda moved to Steamboat Springs Colorado where they built a new shop for Thomas on their property. Thomas again established himself as an exceptional furniture designer and master craftsman.

Thomas said he would like to be remembered as “creative”, and those who knew him would add kind, honest and a gentleman. He will be missed by many and he leaves behind countless homes that have been enhanced by his hands.