Louis "Lou" Miller

The best of the Greatest Generation has passed. It is difficult to summarize a life so full of history, valor, and the spirit of American aviation pioneering. Louis (Lou) William Miller, age 93, took his last flight and returned to base on January 5, 2021, peacefully from his home in Barrington, IL. With him on his final approach were his wife of almost 54 years, Hildegarde (Kitti) Miller (nee Schaefers) and their daughter Lisa Miller, who, according to Lou, was his greatest accomplishment.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Lou is survived by his deeply beloved granddaughters, Camryn and Kiara Crispin, and his son-in-law, Michael Crispin. Other special people in Lou’s life included his sister-in-law Ottilia Miller, his many nephews and nieces and their families, Clark and Vicki Theilig and their children, Brogan Clawson (Keith and Coda) and Haley Theilig, and Col. Kenneth Brandel, USMC, ret. Lou’s other loves included his dogs, Snowflake and Teddy.

Lou was preceded in death in death by his father, Valentine, his mother, Elizabeth, and his siblings, Catherine McCormick, Elizabeth Holman, John Miller, Charles Miller, and Francis Miller.

Lou was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, on May 15, 1927. He was a very proud U.S. Marine   who served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. Lou also loved to fly and worked at American Airlines for almost 50 years, retiring as a flight engineer on American’s last Boeing 727 flight. Lou enjoyed every moment of his job. “A mile of road takes you a mile. A mile of runway can take you anywhere.” (Author unknown)

Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Program (www.toysfortots.org/donate).

A special thank you to Fr. Britto Berchmans for his love and guidance over many years, and to Rick (Davenport Family Funeral Homes) and Traci (American Airlines) DeMichele for their caring support in Lou’s final days.

And now, Lou, let your spirit take flight, freedom awaits you. Blue skies and tailwinds, Semper Fi.