LTC Roger E. Miller

Roger Edward Miller, 92, passed away at his home in Austin, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Yonkers, New York, to Alberta Kelly Miller and Raymond Edmund Miller, Roger was the youngest of three children and was raised in New Jersey. He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School where he met the love of his life, Jeanne Patricia Woodin, at one of the Benedictine school dances. They married on November 17, 1956, after Roger’s graduation from St. Peter’s University and Jeanne’s completion of nursing school, and built a wonderful life together.

In 1957, Roger was commissioned into the United States Army and went on to serve his country with distinction over a long and honorable career. Roger’s career expertise was focused in cryptography, signals intelligence and early AI technology. His military service took him and his family to Herzo Base and Frankfurt, Germany; Fort Meade, Maryland; Fort Devens, Massachusetts, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; Tucson, Arizona; Fort Hood, Texas; and on tours of duty in Vietnam and Thailand. While stationed in Tucson, he earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Arizona. During his distinguished military career, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Army in 1982, Roger worked for Lockheed Corporation as a Systems Intelligence Analyst, which brought him and Jeanne to Austin, Texas, the city that became their home. They joined the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church choir and found a loving and supportive community, and enjoyed many international travels and adventures. Roger was also a big fan of UT sports and attended Longhorn baseball games with his dear friend, Dean Friday, for many years. When Jeanne died in 1998, Roger never stopped missing her. Their bond remained one of the defining loves of his life. His son Doug died in 2002 after a long illness, and Roger devoted much of his time to caring for him with steadfast love and compassion during those difficult years.

Roger is survived by his children, Roger, Jr.; Kate Friday (David); Kevin (Marilyn); and Chris (Karen), his sister, Dana Barber, and he leaves behind ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The family would like to express deep gratitude to Adeli Fialho, who cared for Roger for the last 18 months of his life with extraordinary devotion, tenderness, and compassion. Adeli gave him her whole heart and a level of care that brought comfort, dignity, and peace to him and to his family. The family is also grateful to Talulla Rain Niket, Dr. Hayan Yacoub and Marion Douglas for their kindness and loving support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center or the Ascension Seton Foundation Marion Douglas Nurse Scholarship Endowment. These causes were especially meaningful to Roger and his family, as they touched both his beloved wife, Jeanne, and his son, Doug.

Roger will be remembered for his loyalty, strength, intelligence, and deep devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of service to his country, commitment to his loved ones, and a life lived with curiosity and resilience.

Contact information for the charities is as follows:

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

P.O. Box 4486

Houston, TX 77210-4486 MDAnderson.org/Gifts

Marion Douglas Nurse Scholarship Endowment (ID 412133)

Ascension Seton Foundation

1206 West 38th Street, Suite 4200

Austin, TX 78705