Lewis Lee Miller

December 2, 1923 - August 6, 2016

Lewis Lee Miller 2 December 1923 – 6 August 2016 This is a tribute to our precious Lew. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. Lew once said, “Choices are the sign posts that point each of us to a destination or result. Take care to be aware of their importance in your short term on earth.” He heeded well his advice as his life was a series of wise choices. Lew was born in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He was the son of George and Leah Miller, and the oldest of four children. His siblings are Gene, Elaine, and Calvin. Of his parents, Lew acknowledged that they “provided a warm loving home and protective environment throughout the years. . . . They showed that gospel principles could be lived and by so doing enriched sparse physical years with spiritual strength and love in the home. I honor those good parents.” Lew had many trademarks in life – from his barking dog imitation, to working on a hard problem with the back of his hand to his nose, and especially sweet, hearing him play his violin. He recorded in his journal that his violin was “an inseparable companion from the 7th grade to college. Actually, it was sort of a millstone about my neck, because it used the free time that should have been reserved for Seminary.” Lew served honorably as a navigator in World War II and Korea. As in all areas of his life, Lew performed his duties well. For his heroism he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his “high personal courage, keen professional skill and devotion to duty” during a dangerous mission. Lew married his beautiful Johanna on December 2, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple. Lew said that Jo “makes this mortal existence an experience that gives beauty to life and makes the mundane flower with excitement. She transforms a brick pile, called a house, into a warm and inviting home.” Lew and Jo had five children who are honored to carry his name. They are Gregory, Lynn, Marie, Christopher, and Shawn. Lew worked for Amoco Oil for 36 years, rising in the corporate ranks to positions of leadership. During these 36 years Lew touched for good countless lives as he magnified his responsibilities and callings as a home teacher, bishop, member of high councils, a stake presidency, and many other callings. Lew was an avid scouter and found the time while serving in the Stake Presidency to serve in Scouting also. Lew was always the last to leave any service opportunity. He was fond of saying, “taking the course of least resistance makes both men and rivers crooked.” Lew was an accountant by training. He meticulously cared for his temporal possessions so that his family did not want for anything, but he did not care about temporal possessions. He lived well the maxim to “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” He was generous with his means throughout his entire life, but lived a life of thrift and self-control. For the 100s who received birthday cards from him, we well know what was important to him – his testimony of the plan of happiness – and what was precious to him – us! In those birthday cards, he was unwavering in lovingly expressing his personal mission statement. He stated: • This is my work and my glory to accept the atonement of Jesus Christ by thinking, and acting according to the gospel’s external principles, and to bring to pass my eternal life. I must strive to live an exemplary life that will inspire my wife and posterity to accept the fullness of the Father and the Son. Further, to live a mortal life that complements the eternal truths to provide direction for others to have the faith and knowledge that we are the children of God and can return to become as our Father-in-Heaven. Amen.” Upon his retirement Lew’s real work began. He and Jo served two missions, including a great adventure to Mongolia. Lew and Jo made many eternal friends because of their unselfish service. During retirement they continued to serve all those around them on both sides of the veil. All who knew Lew claimed him as their own for all wanted to be associated with such a great man. The following statement about Lew is emphatically true - “As the years may pass and your life ripens into honored old age, many shall call you blessed because of your ministry, and because of your example, for it shall be one of faith, honesty, and devotion to the higher ideals of life. When you have finished your works upon the earth you shall depart in peace, with an assurance that your efforts have been sanctioned on high, and that you are worthy to partake of the blessings and wear the crown of they who have overcome all things, to arise in the morning of the holy resurrection and dwell in immortal glory in the presence of your Redeemer, and all those who have been sanctified in His presence.” He will deeply missed, but as he taught us so well – this life is just one part of an eternal plan of happiness. We love you Lewis Lee Miller. Please join us in celebrating the great life and legacy of Lewis Lee Miller 12:00 Noon, Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the LDS Londonderry Church located at 11164 Londonderry Drive (1515 East), Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment Pleasant Grove Cemetery 500 North Main Street Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062 *Special Gravesite Instructions Drive toward the 3 cement buildings in the NW corner to Section D-12 (written on the road). Park and walk to the blue tent at gravesite.