Robert Wendell Miller

Robert W. Miller, 51. Of 141 S. 29th St., a retired police officer, died Friday in Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. 

Miller retired from the police force in November. 1970. alter more than 20 years of service Miller was best known for his educational programs, particularly the traffic education program and drug abuse projects. He received many awards and accommodations during his career and was named the American Legion District 3 "Officer of the. Year" in 1970. Appointed to the South Rend Police Department on May 15. 1950. Miller served in every capacity of the Traffic Division. In 1960. Miller. along with former Mayor Lloyd M. Allen. then city court judge. organized the Driver Improvement School. The program is directed to youths who have been guilty of traffic violations and volunteer adults who desire to review driving regulations.

In addition to the school. Miller served as an adviser to the dangerous drug and narcotic referral center which had been established by the police Community Relation Department. As a rookie patrolman. Miller, a Marine reservist. was called to active duty in September 1950. He served as a front-line medical aid corps. man for eight and a half months in Korea. In addition, he served on Saipan and Tinian in the Pacific during World War II. Miller was born Jan. 27,1921. in Rockford. WA., and had lived here most of his life.

On Dec. 24. 1946. in South Bend. he married Ruth Bashore. who survives, along with two sons. Michael of South Bend. and Kevin at home: his mother, Mrs. Blanche Miller of Mishawaka:  two brothers, Richard of Osceola. and Larry of Granger, and three sisters, Mrs. Charles Rice of South Bend. Mrs. George Heeler of Osceola, and Mrs. Phyllis Schimmel of Mishawaka.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Forest G. Ray and Son Funeral 5, Ironwood Dr. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday In the Cathedral of St. James. Very Rev Robert A. Marra pastor. Rev Donald D Dunn. canon, and Gerald S Rasehke. officiating. Burial will be in St Joseph Valley Memorial Park Mr. Miller was a member of the FOP, and P ost 303, American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral of St James. 

Sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, and FindAGrave.com

10/10/2023 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90529237/robert-wendell-miller