Richard Philip Miller Sr.

Richard P. Miller Sr. age 96, Salem, Oregon died peacefully March 30, 2019. Richard was born in Findlay, OH, August 24, 1922, to Phillip and Clare Miller. He graduated from Findlay High School Class of 1941. He was inducted into Federal Service, US. Army on November 30, 1942. While in the Army he had a number of assignments; Western Defense Command US. Navy Submarine Base, Keyport, WA., and Camp Haan, Riverside, CA. He deployed as a light machine gunner, 14th Regiment, Company K, 71st Infantry Division landing in La Have’ France in January 1945. He remained in the European Theater of Operations through the end of WWII.

Richard married Mildred M. Gohlke in March 1942. They had two children, Richard P. Miller Jr. and Diane K. Miller. After the war Richard moved his family from Ohio to California. He co-owned and operated the Richfield Service Station and later worked for Hoams Construction Company as the chief electrician of new construction and repair for the Pool Service Division. In his later years he moved to Oregon.

In 2007 Richard met Lillian “Lil” Krupicka through an ad in the Senior Boomer News. It was love at first sight. This inseparable duo made their home at the Sundial Community Mobile Home Park in Salem, OR. They shared their love for the Arts, classical music, golf, travel and lived life to the fullest until Lil’s passing in August 2012.

Richard was an avid reader; his favorite novels were the American West and Military History. A highlight of Richard’s life was his trip to Washington DC as a member of the first Oregon “Honor Flight” program. It was on this trip he met fellow WWII Veteran Edward Morehead of Salem, OR. who convinced him to volunteer as a Docent at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, OR.

Richard was a lifetime member of the local VFW Post and BPOE (ELKS).

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Mildred, daughter Diane and special companion Lillian “Lil” Krupicka.

Richard is survived by his son Richard Jr. (Mindi) of Fresno, CA, 3 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Burial will take place with full military honors at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Merced County California at a date to be determined by family.

Friends and Family in Salem, OR will be holding a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday April 27th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Sundial Community Center 2310 Lancaster Dr SE.

Memories and condolences may be shared at hed-fh.com for Richard's family.