Toledo policeman was competition marksman

5/5/2007

Victor R. Miller, Sr., 80, a 35-year veteran of the Toledo Police Department who retired as a lieutenant in the communications division, died Thursday in the Franciscan Care Center, Sylvania, of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Mr. Miller was a hard-working police officer who kept his sometimes dangerous work life separate from his family life, his youngest son, Richard Miller, said.

Mr. Miller was injured in two separate car accidents while on duty in the 1950s. In October, 1952, he was injured when the police ambulance in which he was transporting a stabbing victim collided with another car.

And in October, 1959, he and his partner were hurt when their cruiser hit a tree during a pursuit.

Richard Miller said his father was an avid competitive marksman during his years on the force, winning many awards and recognition.

"He spent a lot of time on the range," Richard Miller said. "It was an avid interest of his."

Mr. Miller was born in Oneida, N.Y., and his family moved to Toledo when he was young.

He graduated from Scott High School in 1948 and later received a bachelor's degree in law enforcement from the University of Toledo.

After high school, he married his first wife, Phyllis, and joined the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during World War II as a mail carrier. Mrs. Miller died in 1990.

Mr. Miller was a member of the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard and retired as a major in 1974.

After retirement, he and his wife, Jeanne, enjoyed traveling with Elderhostel, educational trips geared toward senior citizens.

"He loved to travel, that's why we got along so well," Jeanne Miller said.

"He loved the Civil War, and we used to go to quite a few [Elderhostels] on the Civil War."

Surviving are his wife, Jeanne; sons, Victor R. Miller, Jr. and Richard Miller; daughter, Catherine Lonnquist, and grandchildren.

Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Monday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Christ the King Church.

The family suggests tributes to the Ohio Veterans Association.