Obituary of Howard Carleton Miller

Howard Carleton Miller was born on December 6, 1967 in Colorado Springs at the United States Air Force Academy where his father was based. He passed away suddenly in his sleep at age 44 on June 22, 2012 in his home in Mountain Shadows, Colorado Springs.He is survived by his wife Debra (Willsey) Miller of Long Island, NY; son Howard Carson, age 4; mother Patricia McDowell of Austin, TX; father and stepmother Guy and Grace Miller of San Antonio, TX and brother Ben Brown of Austin, TX. Howard was a beloved husband and father, a dedicated and caring son and brother, and a true family man. Although he was born in Colorado, Howard's family relocated to Austin, Texas when he was a child. It was here where he spent much of his life and where he developed a deep love of the city and a large network of family and dear friends. He attended Westlake High School, where he was an honors student and star athlete. He went on to graduate from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX and furthered his education at the University of Houston, where he became accredited as a certified financial planner. Upon returning to Austin he embarked on what would become a successful twenty-two year career working in public retirement plan funding. Before moving to Colorado Springs, CO in 2009 to become Administrator of El Paso Retirement Plan, he served for six years as Director Of Employee Services for the 190, 000 member Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS). Howard was passionate about his work. His knowledge, dedication and integrity were evident to those who knew him. It was during his years working in Austin that he met his cherished wife Debra and swept her off her feet. They married in 2007 and were truly the love of each other's lives. Shortly after the birth of their son Howard Carson they relocated to Colorado Springs. At the time of his death Howard, Debra and little Howard were very much embracing this new chapter in their lives. They were enjoying time together as a family and Howard could often be found working around the house and in the garden with little Howard in tow. His son was his pride and joy and they shared a loving and very special bond. This spring Howard was delighting in his four-year-old's recent introduction to soccer and looking forward to the future athletic glory he was sure his son would achieve. Additionally, throughout his life Howard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hiking, boating and skiing and he continued to enthusiastically pursue these activities with his wife and young son. He also maintained an enduring passion for motocross. Howard was truly larger than life. He won his way into everyone's hearts with his exuberance and his zest for life. He was always the first one to help a friend in need and the last one to leave a good party. He treasured his family and friends and pursued his life's passions to the fullest. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him. Thank you to the many friends across the country who shared in his life. A memorial and celebration of Howard's life is scheduled for July 21st in Austin, Texas at the Iguana Grill located at 2900 Ranch Road 620 N. Phone number: (512) 266-8439 The doors will be open from 7pm until 10pm and all are welcome to attend. A fund has been established for Howard's son's education. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Howard C Miller - Memorial Fund – Account 587317 Ent Federal Credit Union – 719 574-1100. Please contact Stacey Forte with any questions - 719 550-6438 /sforte@Ent.comFuneral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Saturday, July 21, 2012 7:00PM - 10:00PM Iguana Grill 2900 Ranch Road 620 North Austin, TX Phone: 512-266-8439