Benjamin John Miller

Miller, Benjamin J. 100, of Dallas, TX passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2022. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 11:00 at Calvary Hill Funeral Home 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas followed by Rosary at 12:40 pm, Mass of Christian burial at 1:00pm at Calvary Hill North Chapel, and internment. A reception at Frontiers of Flight Museum 6911 Lemmon Ave. Dallas, TX will follow.

Born in Ontonagon, MI on August 31, 1921, to John A. Miller and Mary M. (Guzek) Miller. Ben grew up in the woods of Michigan on the shore of Lake Superior. He was drinking coffee at the ripe age of 6 and capping bottles of beer at age 8 during prohibition. He planted trees with the Civil Conservation Corp. As part of the Greatest Generation he joined the Army Air Corp one month after Pearl Harbor. During his years (1942 – 1963) in the service he served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II with the 345th Bombardment (Flying Apaches) Group, in Alaska during the Korean War, and during the Cold War in Bermuda, and stateside in Oklahoma, San Antonio, TX, and Delaware. In 1955, he married Leona and with her three child ren he became an immediate father. They were blessed with five more children and settled in Dallas upon his retirement. Through the years he was a small engine mechanic and learned many trades such as welding, auto mechanics, brick laying, and roofing. He enjoyed going hunting for deer, rabbits, and even an occasional squirrel.

He was a ‘cat’ with many lives. One - he did not inherit Polycystic Kidney Disease from which his siblings died at early ages. Two – he missed going to Africa during WW II with his crew due to his being hospitalized with pneumonia. Later he learned the entire flight crew was killed in action. Three- When his B25 bomber found itself headed straight for a Japanese war ship it never engaged. Four – in 1961 he learned his diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma was a misdiagnosis. Five – He survived bladder cancer. He attributed his long life to taking Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Extract for much of his life. “It boosts the immune system 3000%.” If you know Ben, you definitely heard this one.

Loved by all, he occasionally aggravated one – Leona would say, “How many times do you have to tell that story?” He loved her dearly, we knew, because even in the later years they would often be seen holding hands and kissing even when both were in wheelchairs. He was known for whispering in babies’ ears, “Bug, bug, bug!” “What’s on the ceiling?” or “Get a peach.” When you asked him, “How do you feel?” he would answer, “With my hands.” He was a Boy Scout Leader and was always willing to help his children with paper routes, Girl Scout projects, or car repairs. He never yelled, just a knuckle reminder on top of the head.

Ben‘s faith in God was important. He participated in many parish groups wherever he was living. At St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church and School in Dallas he participated in Holy Name, Knights of Columbus, and Legion of Mary. Serving others, delivering Meal on Wheels, visiting the sick and elderly, attending daily mass, and reciting the rosary are examples of his strong faith. Heaven is welcoming home a true and faithful servant.

He was preceded in death by his wife Leona (Schumacher Wiesmann) Miller, his parents, siblings Evelyn Yanasak, Glenn Miller, Francis Miller, Katherine Price, and John Miller in addition two great grandson-in-laws and one great great granddaughter. Survived by his children and their spouses Paul (Deborah) Miller, Catherine (Larry) Simmington, Joseph Miller, Michael (Celeste) Miller, Mary Beth (Michael) Eager, Maureen (Greg) Hanson, Marcia (Clint) Baker, and Margaret (Garrett) Davis along with 26 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Mary Lou Schroeder, Patsy Schumacher, Florence Schumacher and Geraldine Miller along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is extremely grateful to caregivers Lucretia Lara, Sommer Martin, & Kara Miller from hospice. Thank you Glenda Bradford and Jackie Jenkins for all your care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Miller family.