Colonel Burr Van (Retired) Miller, Jr.

Colonel (Retired) Burr Van Miller, Jr., 88, of Carmel, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. Born in Harmon, Oklahoma on March 24, 1929 to the late Burr Van Miller, Sr. and Imoree Goin Miller, Burr moved to Detroit, Michigan when he was seven. He graduated from Redford High School and Olivet College, entering the United States Air Force in January 1951. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant, he flew missions as a navigator and bombardier in the Korean War. In April 1957, Burr earned his pilot wings. He flew military air transport before transferring to Air Rescue Service and transitioning to the SA-16 amphibious aircraft. Following an assignment as Professor and Detachment Commander of the AF ROTC unit at Michigan Tech University, Burr returned to combat duty as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Air Force in Saigon, Vietnam during which time the North Vietnamese unleashed the 1968 Tet offensive. Burr transferred to Strategic Air Command (SAC), where he flew KC-135 refueling aircraft, returning to Southeast Asia to support bombing missions in Vietnam. During his distinguished 29-year career in the Air Force, Burr commanded the 319th Bombardment Wing at Grand Forks AFB, ND and the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle AFB, California, at which time he also flew B-52 bombers. Burr also served as Deputy Commander for Operations, Headquarters 15th Air Force.

Burr received numerous military awards and citations. Among them include the Legion of Merit with 2 oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Combat Medal, Antarctic Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Burr enjoyed a second career in logistics with Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. He was assigned to Andrews AFB, Maryland, where his responsibilities included Air Force One.

Burr was an avid golfer and enjoyed a good game of racquetball. His children will remember his love of sports, music, and airplanes.

Burr was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bonnie Miller Bierbower. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Amelia (Amy) Gordy Miller; children, Burr V. "Chip" Miller III, Danelle R. Miller (Brad Berman), and Melanie Miller (Robert Ginzberg); grandchildren, Patrick Miller, Samantha Miller Marr, Kyle Marks, Joshua Ginzberg, and Benjamin Ginzberg; step-grandchildren, Lily Berman and David Berman; and great granddaughter, Adaline Kay Marr.

Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Memorial gifts to St. Vincent Hospice, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.