Troy Miles

Troy Alan Miles, age 59, passed away on June 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 16, 1966, at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, Troy was the son of Glenn Barkley Miles and Beverly Ann Charles (nee Heironimus). He spent his childhood in the Battle Creek area and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1984. Troy had an immense love of sports and was a lifelong Detroit fan. As a young athlete, Troy excelled in baseball and football. He was especially proud of his role as a pitcher on the undefeated 1978 Lakeview Minor National Championship team coached by his father.

Troy treasured the summers he spent as a boy in southern Indiana with his grandparents, helping on the family farm and making lifelong memories. He never lost his appreciation for his mother's and grandmother's classic Southern cooking, which remained among his favorite comforts throughout his life.

Following high school, Troy attended Michigan State University before transferring to Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in 1989. While attending Western, Troy worked security at the Radisson Hotel and K-Mart. He later began a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department. Troy faithfully served his community for nearly three decades before retiring on January 7, 2022. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and friendship of countless colleagues, whom he considered family.

On October 2, 1993, Troy married the love of his life, Amy. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two daughters. Troy's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a father. He enthusiastically supported his daughters in every endeavor and celebrated their successes as his own. Troy could often be found wearing a Western Michigan shirt with a Dayton hat or vice versa, proudly representing both daughters wherever he went. One of his favorite traditions was taking each daughter to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday, where they created unforgettable memories.

Troy also had a passion for movies, from science fiction adventures to Hallmark holiday classics. He eagerly anticipated the release of beloved film franchises such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and Superman. His daughters cherish memories of evenings spent watching holiday movies together. Music brought him equal joy, and some of his happiest moments were dancing around with Natalie and Grace to songs by ABBA and the Bee Gees.

Known for his humor and larger-than-life personality, Troy delighted in creating nicknames for family and friends and himself, proudly answering to "The Cobra," "THE Legend," and "Flyer Daddy." Whether sharing a cigar with friends, competing in a spirited game of cornhole or beer pong, or cheering on his favorite teams he brought laughter and joy wherever he went. His infectious personality, generous heart, and loyalty will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Troy is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Amy Miles; his beloved daughters, Natalie Miles and Grace (Phillip Shook) Miles; his brother, David (Laurie) Miles; his father-in-law, Tom Maternowski; his brother-in-law, Scott Maternowski; his nieces, Cara (Justin) Kostecki and Ashia Maternowski; his nephew, Steven (Rachel) Miles; his chosen brother, Russell (JoAnne) Rothermel; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, chosen family, and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Miles and Beverly Charles; his grandparents, Kenneth and E. LaVerne Heironimus and Glenn Sr. and Edith Miles; his mother-in-law, Barbara Maternowski; his chosen son and future son-in-law, Calvin Kortz; his sister-in-law, Pam Maternowski; and his chosen brother, Moe Olsen.

Troy's Celebration of Life service will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Home 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Friends are invited to visit with family on Friday, June 12 from 6 to 9 PM. On Saturday, June 13, visitation will begin at 10 until the celebration of life service begins at 11. Following the service, a reception will be held at the funeral home to celebrate his life well lived in true Troy style. He will be laid to rest during a private family cemetery at Battle Creek Memorial Park.

Troy's family asks everyone to honor him in fashion by sporting your favorite Western Michigan University, University of Dayton, and Michigan State University attire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Troy's honor to:

Tunnels to Towers - Helping America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children

2361 Hylan Blvd

Staten Island, NY 10306

or

C.O.P.S. – Concerns of Police Survivors (Michigan Chapter) is a non-profit organization, which provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line-of-duty

P.O. Box 3199 - Camdenton, MO 65020

Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, Troy's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he loved beyond measure. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.

Please visit Troy's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com