Robert D. Miles

Robert D. Miles, 86
Robert D. Miles, 86, formerly of West Lafayette, died on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in West Bloomfield, Mich.
He was born Dec. 23, 1924, in Bloomfield, and was the son of the late Alva B. and Esther Jane Slinkard Miles. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1942. He graduated in 1949 and earned a MS in civil engineering in 1951, both from Purdue University. He was a professor at Purdue until 1990.
On March 30, 1946, he married Margaret J. Kidd, who died in 1997.
He served in the Army in the China-Burma-India campaign during World War II, was an officer in the Army Reserve from 1950 to 1969, and commanded the 477th MID from 1964 to 1969, retiring as a major. He was commander of CBIVA Tecumseh “Basha” 2003-2004, and last commander of Indiana Department of CBIVA in 2004-2005.
He was a member of Lafayette Elks, a leader in the Lafayette Exchange Club, served as president of National Society of Photogrammetry and Indiana Society of Professional Engineers.
Surviving is a son, Steve Miles (wife: Yvonne) of Novi, Mich.
Also surviving are 3 granddaughters, Colleen Miles of Milford, Mich., Erica Miles of Indianapolis, and Heather Miles Michalak of Williamston, Mich.
He will be missed by all of us!
Visitation 10-12 noon Tuesday, March 22, 2011, followed by a service given by the family at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, W. Lafayette, IN 47906. Burial at Tippecanoe Memory Garden, in W. Lafayette will be immediately following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the Lafayette Exchange Club.