Russell H. Miller

Russell H. Miller passed away March 1, 2010 in the Centerpointe Care Center of Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kansas, of Vascular Dementia. He was 85 years old.

Following High School Graduation, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. Following basic training he was transferred to aerial gunnery training on the B17 Flying Fortress Bomber. After receiving his Wings, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was assigned to a flight crew of a B 24Liberator Bomber. He and his crew flew a new B 24 to Southern Italy and were assigned to the 756th Squadron of the 459th Bomb group in the 15th Air Force. He was designated the lead Bombardier. After completing 35 missions he returned to the US.

He enrolled in Central College in Pella, Iowa, then attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota and received his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration. He became the Chief Executive Officer of the KU Medical Center, retiring after 28 years.

During this time he was enlisted in the US Air Force Reserve. After thirty years of commissioned service, he retired as a Colonel. Following 3 years in Saudi Arabia where he opened the King Kalid Eye Hospital and a Saudi Military Hospital, he spent 9 years as a JCHO Inspector across the United States and Puerto Rico.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Verna, daughters Candice (Tim) Piester, of Fredricksburg, Virginia, Kimberlee(Jim)Vermeer, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Leslie (Mike)Jamar, of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Amy Rogers, Lindsay Piester, Brant Vermeer, Jacob Vermeer, Chad Koslowsky, Laura Koslowsky; and two stepgrandchildren, Jenna Andersen and Dan Jamar.

Memorials may be made to the Hope Faith Ministries, 1524 Charlotte, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or the Foundation Samaritan Fund of Lakeview Village, 9100 Park, Lenexa, Kansas 66215.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life service will be at 2 pm Thursday, March 4 at the Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. A reception will follow.