May 12, 1921 - Jan. 9, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS — Louis Earl BeMiller, 91, of Indianapolis and formerly of Elkhart and Green Valley, Ariz., died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.

Mr. BeMiller was born May 12, 1921, in Elkhart County to Walter and Cecil Warstler BeMiller. They preceded him in death, as did his brothers, Robert and Philip BeMiller; his son-in-law, Ron Clark; and his sister-in-law, Josephine BeMiller

He was 1939 graduate of Wakarusa High School, where his leadership skills were honed as the class president for all four years of high school. Mr. BeMiller attended Purdue University before being drafted into the U. S. Army. He faithfully served his county in the 29th Infantry Division in World War II, where he was 1st Lt. during the Central Europe Campaign. While serving, Mr. BeMiller was awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries received during battle. He also was a veteran of the Korean War, during which he spent a year and a half serving in the 1st Calvary before being honorably discharged in December 1952.

After his military service, Mr. BeMiller returned to work at Elkhart Metal Forming Corp in Elkhart. In 1969, he was named president of Teledyne Metal Forming and worked there until his retirement in 1984. Prior to his retirement, Mr. BeMiller was president in 1979 and 1980 of the National Roll Form Institute.

A man of strong leadership qualities and unwavering character, Mr. BeMiller was a member of the Baugo Community School Board from 1962-1970. In 1965, he was a member of the U.S. State Department Comparative Education Survey, which toured school systems in communist countries. He continued his civic service by serving on the Elkhart County Reorganization Committee, serving 10 years on the advisory board of Elkhart Area Career Center and the board of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. BeMiller was a past president of the Baugo Lions Club, past commander of the Wakarusa American Legion, a member of the board of directors of Elcona Country Club in Elkhart and a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Elkhart.

Retirement in Arizona did not slow him down as he was an active member of 1st Presbyterian Church of Green Valley, Ariz., president of the Green Valley Republican Club, board member of the Pima County (Ariz.) Republican Club and president of Desert Hills Country Club in Green Valley.

Mr. BeMiller is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette Lenaburg BeMiller; his daughters, Darlene Clark and Jenny (Tom) Blackman; and his grandchildren, Cami (Randy) Berkey, Cari (David) Genier, Greg (Kristy) Blackman and Lindsey (Kate) Blackman. Also surviving are his seven great-grandchildren, Nichole, Dustin, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Abagail, Marshall and Kendall; his sister, Barbara (Tom) Mattern; his brother, Ted (May) BeMiller; his sister-in-law, Elnora BeMiller; and many special nieces and nephews.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville. Condolences may be offered or memories of Mr. BeMiller’s life may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.

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