Frank Patrick Miles

February 24, 1921 – February 8, 2003

Frank Patrick Miles, 81, of Danville, formerly of Decatur, died 5:15 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 8, 2003) in Department of Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System, Danville.

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Danville VA Catholic Chapel, where Frank attended, with the Rev. John Schultz ofciating. Visitation will be two hours before services. Burial will be in the Danville National Cemetery with military rites by the VFW. Pape Funeral Home and Gardens, Danville, is in charge of local arrangements.

Frank was born Feb. 24, 1921, in Detroit, Mich., to John and Anna Miles. They moved to Decatur, and he attended Roosevelt Junior High and Decatur High School, where he played football.

In 1942, he joined the Army Air Corps, 95th Bomb Group, B-17 tail gunner. He was stationed in Horham, England. He flew 29 missions over occupied Europe and received a Purple Heart, distinguished flying cross and an air medal with three oak leaf clusters.

After moving to Danville in 1967, he worked for Hysters until retirement in 1984. He enjoyed all sports, especially football and was an avid Cubs fan. He enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and most of all he enjoyed being with his family and friends. He married Helen Virginia Hull on May 17, 1947, in Decatur.

Surviving are his wife; son, Frank Miles Jr.; brothers, Ray of Detroit; Carl of Decatur; sister, Dorothy Williams of Ohio; special chosen grandson, Matthew, whom he loved dearly; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Fred Michael (1944-1994); three brothers and four sisters.

Herald & Review (Decatur, IL) - Tuesday, February 11, 2003