Frank Lee Miller

Date and Time of Service: service at later dateposted 8/2/2010 at 3:17:59 PMFrank L. Miller died suddenly due to complications resulting from severe internal hemorrhaging on August 1, 2010. He was a spry 88 years old before his sudden illness. Frank was born on February 11, 1922 in Bastrop, Louisiana. His family relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas during his early childhood and his father owned his own business, a barbershop. Frank was a gifted athlete in high school, lettering in basketball and was a local and state marble champion. After graduating from high school, Frank joined the United States Army and to the day of his passing retained the distinction of being a Buffalo Soldier as a member of the 10th US Cavalry. On October 17, 1941 after less than a year of dating, Frank married the love of his life, Evelyn. From the 10th Cavalry, Frank transitioned to the Army Air Corps and finally to the United States Air Force, retiring in 1962 as a Master Sergeant. He survived 2 wars, World War II and Korea and was a highly decorated soldier. His military career carried Frank and his family around the world… from Kansas to Florida to Guam to Wisconsin to France to California and finally to Tacoma, Washington. After retirement from the Air Force, Frank joined the Veteran's Administration at American Lake and managed the laundry operation prior to retiring from work in 1984. Frank and his family called Tacoma home for almost 40 years until Evelyn passed away on July 15, 2000. The family was featured in the Neighbors Section of the Tacoma News Tribune on September 21, 1988.A survivor of the Great Depression, Frank defined hard-work and total unmitigated dedication to his family. He could be “cantankerous” at times, but it was about making those around him better than it was to hurt or harm. For most of his working life he worked two jobs and was considered as awesome bartender. His work ethic was extreme, but he seemed to always find time for familycamping, road trips, hunting, and just enjoying life. The family home in Tacoma was absolutely gorgeous, due to Frank's lawncare efforts, which were sometimes unusual and comical, but always a showplace. Frank was also an avid reader, who would read several books a week. Late in his life Frank took up the game of golf with his sons and thoroughly enjoyed it.Frank was never considered a “fixer”. With all of his many skills and talents, being mechanically inclined was not one of his gifts!Frank is survived by his six children, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. All six children were at their Dad's side at his passingIsora Louise from Columbia, Maryland, Frank Junior from Austin, Texas, Jose' Cruz from Parkersburg, West Virginia, Michael Ernest from Parkersburg, West Virginia, Constance Kay from Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Steven Douglas from Parkersburg, West Virginia.Frank will be remembered as a great husband, father, soldier, friend and human being, who gave more than he got, but never complained and left this life a much better place.Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home 400 Green St. Parkersburg, WV.Frank will be interned with his best friend and wife of 59 years at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington at a later date.