Elizabeth-Graveside services will be held for Mark Hunter Miller, age 69, on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Hampton Memorial Cemetery in Elizabeth, Louisiana under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder.
Mark was born February 14, 1944 in Oakdale, Louisiana, graduated from Elizabeth High School, was an ROTC Honors graduate from LSU, and attended graduate school at UC Berkeley. He was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army immediately following graduation from LSU, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division (Army Rangers). He served with distinction, attaining the rank of Captain prior to separation. He earned numerous honors for his heroism and bravery, including three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Following his military service, Mark enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in medical supplies and equipment sales, culminating in a position as National Sales Manager for Sundance Enterprises. In his recent retirement years, Mark found his greatest joy in being "Pop" to his granddaughter, Amelia and spending time with his grown children. His faithful canine companion, Beau (a miniature poodle), accompanied Mark on cross-country trips between New Orleans and California, and was never far from Mark's side. Regular rounds of golf on Mondays (followed by a traditional lunch of red beans and rice), plus rooting for his beloved LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints, made for a full life. Mark will be remembered for his intense love of friends and family, his hospitality and grilling expertise, and his wicked sense of humor.
A memorial service was held Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 9 a.m. at Munholland United Methodist Church in Metairie.
Mark is survived by his wife, Nancy Hudson Miller, son, Ryan, daughter-in-law, Lia and granddaughter, Amelia Miller of Sierra Madre, CA; son, Matthew Miller of New Orleans; sister and brother-in-law, Reba and Don Johnson of Lake Charles and their children and grandchildren; and step-daughter, Allison Hennings Guarnieri, her husband, Chris and their daughter, Sophia of Scottsdale, AZ.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents, T.J. and Estelle Herrod Miller, brother, Tommy, and infant son, Robert Hunter Miller.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home, the Oncology Unit of East Jefferson General Hospital, and the USC Norris Cancer Center at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, CA for their loving kindness to Mark and his family during his illness.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (Chapter 37), the East Jefferson General Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at the funeral home website- www.ardoinfuneralhome.com