Paul (Steve) Stephen Miller

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 Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry or the Cleveland Hope Lodge. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.domccombandsons.com