Ward Miller

Ward Miller, of Fredericksburg, Texas, passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 88.

Ward was a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Pat), and a loving father of four. He took great joy in staying connected with his eight grandchildren, always interested in their lives, no matter how far apart they were. Ward was deeply loved by his family and cherished by many friends.

A native of Lakewood, Ohio, Ward was a proud graduate of Indiana University, Loyola University of Chicago, and the U.S. Army War College.

Ward served his country with honor and dedication as a Colonel in the United States Army, completing 30 years of active duty. An Airborne Ranger, he completed two one-year tours in Vietnam as an advisor, earning the Purple Heart, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge among other commendations during his career. He later commanded an Infantry battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division and was later G3 Operations Officer of the 82nd Airborne Division. He led Task Force Bravo, a brigade-sized U.S. Army element in Honduras near the end of the Contra War. In his final active-duty role, he served as the Department of Defense liaison to the DEA.

Following his military career, Ward continued to share his leadership and expertise as a military contractor and instructor with the Leader's Training Program at the U.S. Army Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

After discovering Fredericksburg on a trip, Ward and Pat made it their home in retirement. He became a Texas Master Naturalist, focusing on native ecology and volunteering with the Fredericksburg chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. He loved helping others with landscaping projects and lent his time and talent to beautifying the grounds of Ambleside School and the Fredericksburg Veterans Memorial. He often mentored others which brought him great fulfillment.

He is survived by his beloved wife Pat; his children Ward (Gabriella) of Southlake, TX, and their children Ward III., Cecilia, and Zachary Miller; Kate McRostie (Kenny) of Wilmington, NC, and their daughters Kassie, Kenzie, and Kaylie McRostie; Kristin Ashman (Doug) of Fredericksburg, TX, and their daughters Emily LeGrand (Robert) and Lindsey Ashman; and Meghan Laviola (Pete) of Naples, FL.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Maria Miller and siblings, Maria Roche, Howard Miller, and Tom Miller.

A Rosary at 11:30 a.m.and Funeral Mass at 12 noon will be held Saturday, February 21st at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg followed by internment with full military honors at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Fredericksburg

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ward Miller to: Ambleside School of Fredericksburg (amblesidefredericksburg.com); The Good Samaritan Center of Fredericksburg (goodsamfbg.org); Native Plant Society of Texas, Fredericksburg Chapter (npsot.org); Meals for Vets (mealsforvets.org); or Meals on Wheels of Fredericksburg (goldenhub.org).

Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com