Paul Stephen (Steve) Miller

Paul Stephen (Steve) Miller obituary, Fort Wayne, IN

Paul Stephen (Steve) Miller

Paul Miller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 18, 2018.
It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Stephen ("Steve") Miller announces his sudden passing after complications to cancer, early Sunday, November 18, 2018, in Fort Wayne at the age of 71. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Steve attended Most Precious Blood grade school and Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and philosophy at Marian College in Indianapolis and was a 1974 Honors Graduate of the Indiana University School of Law. He taught at Indiana Wesleyan University and St. Barnabas Catholic School. Steve began his law career at Lincoln Bank in Fort Wayne before entering private practice. He became a public defender in 1992, consistently standing up for people who had no other voice. He found inspiration in the life and works of Albert Schweitzer, Viktor Frankl, Clarence Darrow and Perry Mason, among others. Steve had the rare distinction of successfully arguing before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court. He was most proud of his successful challenge of the Allen County jury selection system in the 1990s, proving that the system was not truly random but systematically excluded diverse and low-income neighborhoods. He also found inconsistencies with and successfully challenged field alcohol testing statutes, and successfully defended against a murder charge for the first time in 50 years in Allen County. Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, M. Elizabeth "Liz" (nee Jaussaud); his children, John Stephen (Kym), Katherine "Kate" (Gabe) Guerrero, Mara Ann (Andrew) Sampson, and Robert John (Katherine Ranft); four grandchildren, Aden James, Oliver Stephen, Evelyn Marie, and Johana Kaitlyn; and his brother, Joseph "Joe" Francis (Joanne), and his sister, Rosalie "Rosie" Edna Kramer (Stephen). Steve was predeceased by his parents, Anita Agnes (nee Pulver) and Paul Joseph Miller. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10:30 am at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home Maplewood Park, with calling one hour prior to service. Calling, Friday, November 23, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes Maplewood Park. Cremation at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Steve may be made to to Miss Virginia's Food Pantry or the Cleveland Hope Lodge. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.domccombandsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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January 25, 2021

Kathleen Halbach (Raml) posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2020

John O'Kane posted to the memorial.

November 24, 2018

Ralph and Doris Davis posted to the memorial.

Kathleen Halbach (Raml)

January 25, 2021

Just learned that Steve passed away approximately 2 yrs ago and am feeling very sad. After reading his obituary, I was wishing that I had known him better. He was a very smart and kind man. Ron and I are so sorry for your loss.

John O'Kane

July 12, 2020

Listening to music from the 60's and remembering when Steve and I roomed together our sophomore year at Matian College. Bob Kessler's room was next to ours and he would always. always be playing the Four Seasons. Glad I got a chance to talk to Steve s few years before he passed away. He was a good friend and a kind and passionate person. RIP and live on in the memory of your family and freinds.
John O'Kane

Ralph and Doris Davis

November 24, 2018

It has been a while but when we see that smiling face we remember back to that young boy and his family accross the street with fond memories. Our hearts go out to all his family.

Adam Mildred

November 23, 2018

It was my pleasure to work with Steve, most intensely for about six or seven years when he and I were assigned to the major felony divisions of the public defender and prosecutor's office, respectively.

P. Stephen Miller fought to make the system fairer. He knew that his work representing the indigent helped to hold the government accountable to all of its citizens.

Much as he enjoyed his work, he really lit up when talking about his wife and family. May his memory be eternal.

Gema Aparicio

November 23, 2018

Steve and I worked together for over 10 years. I am a court interpreter, so I knew him mostly professionally. However, he took a real interest in getting to know people. He was always kidding around with me and asked me questions about the books I was reading. I remember him as a genuine good person. He will be missed.

Jack & Jan Burton

November 21, 2018

Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.

Tom & Carol Vodde

November 21, 2018

Joe, Joanne, Rosie & Steve, we are saddened to learn of the death of your brother. May he Rest In Peace.

Marsha Bredemeyer-Gutierrez

November 21, 2018

Elizabeth, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I have know Steve since we were kids in the old neighborhood. You are all in prayer. May Steve be resting in the arms of Angels.

Kristi Law

November 20, 2018

What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. I have such fond memories of Steve (or Mr. Miller as I thought of him!) from high school - he was always so patient when all of us teenagers invaded his house and stayed until the wee hours of the morning, and he had such a great sense of humor. Praying for peace and comfort as you celebrate his life.

Karen & Barry Berggoetz

November 20, 2018

We will miss Steve - he was a good neighbor, friend and we saw him in action as a loving husband and father.

John Connell

November 20, 2018

Remembering our time together in high school band. We roomed together during band camp in August 1963. I had the fortunate occasion to meet his parents and enjoyed them very much.

Steve was fun, engaging, smart and caring.

The world is a better place because he lived!

Peace

Karl Bredemeyer

November 20, 2018

Elizabeth, my deepest sympathy. I have known Steve for so many years. Since I have known my parents. We grew up together With the other left handed person, Jim Tegtmeyer. The three of us were always playing ball or cards. It was a great time in my life. I called Steve before June ad I left for Az. I have prayed harder than normal for your family and will continue to do so. I will miss our talks over the phone. God lead me back to Steve many years ago, I am so glad He did.

Nikos Nakos

November 20, 2018

May Eternal be his Memory! P. Stephen was an excellent lawyer, a compassionate human and a wonderfully funny individual! His absence will be felt by many!

Steve Lerch

November 20, 2018

We would "bump" into each other, usually in and around the courthouse, but even in other places. Although not good friends, it seems we always had 5-15 minutes to catch up on the law and other things, but especially the family. He was a proud husband and dad. So sorry about your loss.

Andrea Lohman

November 20, 2018

It is with great sadness that I learned of P. Stephen's passing. I enjoyed many lively conversations with him during my employment with the ACPAO. He was an ornery one and will be missed and fondly remembered. Andrea Lohman

Jennifer Guerrero

November 19, 2018

Y'all are in our thoughts and prayers. Stephen was a WONDERFUL person, and we were very honored to have met him. All our love. Jen & Sergio

Rick Frederick

November 19, 2018

Steve and I first met in the back row of the clarinet section as Freshmen in high school and really bonded in the joint effort we made to not flunk out of first-year Latin. At the beginning of Sophomore year, we came to the conclusion, independently, that it would be easier to march at the front of the band than to try to play the clarinet and take 8 steps for every 5 yards, so we both tried out for Drum Major. The band director, Joe Woods, was unable to differentiate between two incompetent tryouts and named Steve and me twin Drum Majors. He later sent us to a twirling camp, where both of us came away with an admiration for some of the cute little twirling dervishes that were our classmates, but little in the way of handling batons. Following high school, we saw each other less frequently, since I moved away from Fort Wayne, but we remained close in friendship, standing up for each other at our weddings, and keeping up with families, etc. as much as possible. Over the years I never saw much change in Steve as the friend I made in our early years--he was one of the most decent people I ever met--committed to family, friends, and ideals in a way that few of us are. He will be sadly missed.

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D. O. McComb and Sons - Maplewood Park

4017 Maplecrest Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46815

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Not sure what to say?

January 25, 2021

Kathleen Halbach (Raml) posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2020

John O'Kane posted to the memorial.

November 24, 2018

Ralph and Doris Davis posted to the memorial.