Major Robert L. Miller, Sr., USAF Retired

Major Robert Louis Miller, Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2008 in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Greatest Generation will be missing one of it's best. Bob was born April 19, 1919 in Cochocton, Ohio to Karl Edwin and Annette Waverly Miller who have preceded him in death. He was the brother of Mary Margaret Mahood of St. Simons Island, Georgia and Kaye Skelding of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada who both preceded him in death. Bob graduated from St. Thomas College Institute in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada in 1938. In 1939 he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp. He was stationed at Keesler Field when it was only a tent base. While stationed on the Mississippi Gulf Coast he met the love of his life, Thelma DeMetz. They were married December 20, 1942 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Pass Christian, Mississippi. He was then transferred to Alconbury, England during World War II. While serving his country in England he received a Field Commission and was promoted to 2nd Lt. A great fan of Glenn Miller, Bob saw the last concert given by Miller and his band. He returned to Keesler Field in 1945. In 1948 he was sent to Okinawa at the onset of the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he briefly went into the Active Reserve and worked as a civilian at Keesler. After his re-enlistment he attended Officier Candidate School in Montgomery, Alabama and in 1951 was re-commissioned a 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force and returned to Keesler Air Force Base. He served in Iceland in 1957/58 during the Cold War and was promoted to the rank of Captain. He returned to Keesler. Major Miller was the base Adjadent to General George Hardy at Keesler until his retirement in 1963. At his retirement he was honored with a full military parade and reception. He studied at Yale University and received his Bachelor Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1965. He was head of the Science Department at Mary L Michel Junior High School. He taught Science at Fernwood Junior High School. He retired from the Biloxi School System after 23 years of teaching, which he greatly enjoyed. He was an avid sailor and belonged to the Pass Christian and Biloxi Yacht Clubs. He enjoyed fishing and crabbing with his children and grandchildren at the Point Cadet Pavilion. He loved to travel and took his large family on many delightful vacations. He was active with the Boy Scout Program. He was on the Board for the CISV and Sea Camp. He was a devout Catholic and set a wonderful example for everyone. He was a wonderful cook and famous for his Shrimp & Okra Gumbo, Pecan Pies and homemade preserves. He was a devoted "Daddy" to his nine children and a hero and mentor to his 30 Grandchildren and 22 Great-Grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Thelma and his 9 children; Mary Frances "Molly" Mustin Stillinger(Michael) of Madisonville, Louisiana; Sally Baughman(Michael) of Geneseo, Illinois; Susan Miller of Gulfport, Mississippi; Robert Miller, Jr "Skipper" of Jefferson, Louisiana; Catherine "Kitty" Nelson(Carl) of Austin, Texas; Nancy Graben(Steve) of Gulfport, Mississippi; Jennifer Overy Jacques(Michael) of Naperville, Illinois, Laurie Jackson(Chip) of Lakeland, Florida; and Zan Miller(Melissa) of Westerly, Rhode Island. Also, his 30 Grandchildren; Wendi, Beaux, & Brian Mustin; Carrie Mustin Fontan; Christopher & Ben Baughman; Elizabeth Baughman Smith; Erin, Courtney, Adam, Carlee, Taylor, Adam, Nathan & Charlie Miller; Trey, Amelia, & Jonathan Nelson; Andrew, LeeAnn, & Katelyn Graben; Amie, Amanda, & Jerry Overby; Megan Jacques; Matthew, David, & Mary Jackson. Also survived by his 22 Great Grandchildren, neices, nephews, and cousins. "Daddy, Save our places at God's kitchen table. We miss you." Visitation on Sunday, August, 10 from 4 to 6 PM at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Pass Road, Biloxi. Visitation Monday, August 11 at Our Lady of Fatima Church on Pass Road, Biloxi until Mass of Christian Burial at 9:45 AM. Followed by full military burial at Biloxi National Cemetery. Reception following at Church. View and sign register book @www.bradfordokeefe.com