Leon B. Miller

Leon B. Miller, 88, passed away on March 18, 2013 in Austin. Leon was call by the Lord to join Arlee in the perfect eternal life in Heaven. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” He was born on February 24, 1925 on the family farm, 10 miles north of Georgetown, Texas. He was born into the family of John L. and Hilda Miller. Leon was baptized a few days after birth, at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg, by Reverend J. H. Sieck. Leon’s sponsors were Max Richter, Nonie Ilse, Lydia Miller and Bernard Miller.

Through his elementary school years he attended the Zion Lutheran Parish School. Leon’s teachers, Mr. W.G. Bleeke and Mr. O. H. Kieschnick, had a great influence on his early life. Leon was confirmed by Pastor J.H. Kollemeyer, and his confirmation verse was Matthew 26:41- “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Leon attended high school in Jarrell and Georgetown, Texas. He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1942. He helped his father with farming and operating the dairy, then joined the National Guard after graduation. Soon after enlisting, he was called to serve in World War II on January 31, 1945 and was trained in Fort Hood’s Tank Division.

On May 12, 1945, he married Arlee Teinert, pictured above, and they were joined in holy matrimony by Pastor J. H. Kollemeyer at Zion Lutheran Church in Walberg, Texas. After World War II had ended in Europe, Leon joined the Regular Army, and for one year was a member of the European 13th Traffic Regulation Group in the European theater. Having many jobs, he rose to a rank of T5. Leon was later honorably discharged at Fort Sam Houston on November 14, 1946.

Starting a new life, Leon and Arlee moved to Austin, Texas. He was temporarily employed with the IRS, while he continued to attend night school. He studied in the field of accounting at Nixon Clay College. He later worked at Morrow Electric Company of Austin for approximately three years as a bookkeeper, in sales and as a job estimator. Leon eventually joined the Austin Fire Department where he worked for approximately 17 years, and attained the rank to Captain at Engine 14. Leon enjoyed playing softball with the fire department team for many years. He was then employed with the U.S. Postal Service for more than 20 years.

He was a carrier on the same route, until he retired from the workforce.

After retirement, his interests were in farming, ranching and construction.

Arlee and Leon were members of the Lutheran Church all of their lives. Their membership started at Zion Lutheran of Walberg, Texas and later became members of Trinity Lutheran in Austin, Texas. Finally, they joined the congregation of Grace Lutheran in Elgin, Texas. In each of these churches, Arlee and Leon served the Lord in many ways. Leon was interested in theologies, traveling, hunting, fishing and especially farm life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlee Miller, in August 2003. They had been married 58 years, and had no children. Also, his parents, John L. and Hilda Miller, his sister, Lee Dora Miller.

He is survived today by two sisters, Lillie and her husband, Norbert Bleeke, and Ruth and her husband, J. Martin Burks; one brother, Johnny and his wife, Sandra; as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends.

A funeral service will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the

21st of March 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church, 801 W. 11th Street, Elgin, Texas with Rev. Carl Roth officiating. A private interment will be held in Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, Pflugerville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family suggests donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 801 W. 11th Street, Elgin, Texas 78621 or the charity of your choosing.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.