Stephen H. Miller
October 8, 1941 – July 4, 2026Stephen H. Miller passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 84.Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Steve grew up working in the family pharmacy,participating in the Civil Air Patrol, and attending Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated in 1959. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Maryland in 1965 and completed the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. During his time at Maryland, he was deeply involved with the Pershing Rifles, serving as unit Executive Officer, drill team commander, and rifle-twirling champion of the 15th Regiment. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.A lifelong enthusiast of aviation and history, Steve found countless ways to combine these passions throughout his personal and professional life. He was an air analyst, aircraft spotter, model builder, control-line airplane flyer, and active participant in numerous aviation and photography organizations. His extensive collection of aviation photographs supported the work of many authors, particularly those researching and publishing on Cold War aviation history.Steve was equally dedicated to historical research and preservation. He was an active member of the Western Front Association, the Great War Aviation Society, the American Aviation Historical Society, and the League of World War I Aviation Historians. He attended numerous conferences and forums and was a frequent presenter, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow historians and aviation enthusiasts.His love of history also fueled a passion for travel. Steve particularly enjoyed visiting sites connected to pivotal events in European history, combining exploration with learning wherever he went.Steve served his country with distinction in both active-duty and reserve assignments in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military career included service in training, missile operations, and intelligence, with assignments in Illinois, Okinawa, Maryland, California, and North Dakota. He also enjoyed a distinguished civilian career as an air analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency. One of the highlights of his professional life was supporting Headquarters United States Air Forces Europe at Ramstein Air Base, West Germany, from 1984 to 1988.Beyond aviation and history, Steve was a devoted fan of steam railroads and model railroading, hobbies he pursued throughout his life. He was known for his love of puns, quick wit, and sense of humor. The neighborhood birds and squirrels also knew when Steve was away, missing the familiar caretaker who always looked after them.Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Solomon and Freda Miller; his first wife, Barbara Walls Miller; and his second wife, Marilyn Weisberger Miller.He is survived by his brother, Marc Miller; his sister, Paula Miller; his son, Michael Miller; his daughter-in-law, Anna Miller; and his beloved granddaughters, Sofia and Lucia, who brought him great joy.Steve will be remembered for his curiosity, intellect, generosity in sharing knowledge, devotion to history and aviation, and the warmth and humor he brought to those who knew him.Funeral services will be held at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, 18424 Joplin Road,Triangle, VA 22172, at 10:00 am on July 16, 2026.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the World War One Historical Association to support the preservation and study of World War I history.