Leonard Van Miller

Leonard "Van" Miller
Leonard "Van" Miller, 96, passed from his earthly life on March 29, 2013 at SJRMC in Farmington, NM. Van was born to Oscar and Alberta Miller of Elroy, Wisconsin on January 17, 1917. Van attended school in Elroy and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin in 1939. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as a B26 Pilot. He flew combat missions in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations while stationed in North Africa that included air support for the invasions of Sicily and Italy. Upon his return to the US he completed his service as an Air Liaison Officer. After his military service he worked at the University of Minnesota before joining the insurance industry, and opening his own company, which brought him to New Mexico. Van held many titles through out his time in NM including Executive Director of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Director of Farmington Industrial Development Service, President of the Noonday Lions Club, President of the NM Chamber Executives Association, a member of the Community Concerts Board, a member of the Elks Lodge, and he also delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years.Van was a regular member to the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder , was on several committees, and sang in the choir for 38 years. He enjoyed most sports (especially golf!), backpacking, playing bridge with friends, playing board games with grandkids, going on picnics, boating at Lake Powell, spending time at the cabin, and singing in a popular Barber Shop Quartet. For 65 years Van was married to LaVerne Doering Miller. SHe was the love of his life from the time they met at a Christmas Party in 1940 until she passed on June 17, 2007. The couple had two children, James (Janet) Miller and Holly (Morris) McGarrh, four grandchildren Justin (Kristy) Amyx, Konrad (Loma) Miller, Jesse (Lindsey) Amyx, Kirsten (James) Wilson, and five great-grand children Aubrey, Bailey, Evan, Cade, and Jessalin Amyx, and Baby Wilson due in August. There will be a celebration of Grandpa Van's life at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 19th at the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington. Arrangements are under the direction of Alternative Choice and cremation has taken place. It is requested that voluntary contributions be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.