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.

Bob and Pam Shultz, Elkhart, IN BeMillers All- We have fond memories of good times in Elkhart at Elcona and with Bob's folks Vernie and Kenny Shultz.We are all lucky to have known all of you. Bob and Pam Shultz

DeAnn & Bruce McIntosh, Elkhart, IN Jeanette and Darlene and family, I always admired Lou as a person of great character and am grateful for the opportunity he afforded me in the workplace, by giving me my first job. I was also grateful for his patience and guidance as I learned from him and others at Metal Forming. I also value my friendship with other family members. DeAnn McIntosh

Charlie and Barb Freel, Portland, IN Jeanette, There is no question as to our love for you and Lou. You both were there for us when we returned from the military with little money and just beginning a new job in a strange town. Lou was my mentor, which allowed me to find success at Metal Forming and Teledyne. I considered Lou my Elkhart father and continually would seek his advice for not only the business, but personal life. I don't think I ever met a more calm and controlled man. I can not recall a time he ever lost his temper. All that knew him, knows the world lost a man of integrity, a man who loved his family, a man who served his country twice with the up most honor, a man without an unselfish bone in his body, and a man who will sorely be missed.

Tim Cunningham , Elkhart, IN Hi Ted, So sorry for the loss of your brother. He is now in a much better place. Long time co-worker, Tim Cunningham

Ben & Cindy Wills, Carmel, IN As friends of Tom and Jenny we had the pleasure of knowing and dining with Louis and Jeannette on occasion. Louis always the professional was very interested in all things business, but most loved the business of being a grandfather and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed by many generations.

Nila Rowland, Indianapolis, IN Jeannette, Jenny, Darlene and Family: I am so sorry to hear that a really great man has passed. I have such fond memories of spending time with you all. He was such a great father figure for all who knew him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you and may the great memories of him always stay fresh in your minds. Nila Rowland

Michele vanPelt, Salem, OR Darlene and family, my dad thought very highly of Louis as they worked together at Metal Forming. My sympathies. Michele (Mike Schmalzried) vanPelt

Cindy Knudson Overholser, Bristol, IN Jeanette, Darlene, and Jenny, I was so sorry to hear of Louie's passing. He was a great man. I have fond memories of him and the family growing up in church.

Wayne & Barb Stutsman, Elkhart, IN We remember our St. John's family well and hold each member in our fondest memories. Please accept our deepest sympathies to all of you during this time. Wayne and Barb (Gibson) Stutsman

Tom Blackman, Carmel, IN Thomas Blackman