Lester Fred Miller

Major General Lester F. Miller (USAF Ret), 93, passed on March 5th at St Luke's hospital in Boise. A funeral will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Committal and interment will follow at the Cove Cemetery.

General Miller was born in Dearborn County, Indiana. He attended the University of Minnesota from 1936-1940 majoring in petroleum engineering. He entered the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in 1942 and earned his commission and pilot wings. He was a B-17 instructor pilot at Gowen Field, Boise before deploying to England with the 448th BG (B-24 unit).

General Miller remained with the 448th through two combat tours, flying 33 bombing missions, accumulating 200 combat hours. He was the 448th station commander before returning at the end of World War II. Many career assignments followed, memorable of which was his tour at Fairchild AFB, Washington as Wing Commander.

General Miller's final assignment was director of personnel training and education, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel Washington D.C. He retired in July 1971. General Miller's decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Les had two very fulfilling careers. After retiring from the Air Force and moving to the Grande Ronde Valley. He quickly turned his talents to growing cherries and working on his beloved "home place" with his wife, Evie. With his son, John, Miller Orchards was formed, and evolved into a 150 acre agricultural business, thus, providing Les with his second 30 year career.

Survivors include his wife of
65 years, Everdine; his sons,
John and Andrew (Colonel
USAF Ret) with wife Pam; Grandchildren, Piper, John Jr,
Amanda, Kevin, and Chris
with wife Nichole and great
grandchildren, Caleb and Ayden. Survivors also include son, Fred, and daughter,Anne Givens, and their families. Les had 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Air Force Memorial in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.

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