MILES, Richard Lee 1931-2018

MILES, BURNETT, BARBOUR, KREBS

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 5/4/2018 at 10:27:38

Biography--

Richard Lee Miles, 86, of Waterloo, Iowa, died at Covenant Medical Center on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 of natural causes.

He was born June 2, 1931, in Newton, Iowa, the oldest son of Homer and Helen Burnett Miles. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Helen Burnett (Miles) and Harry Barbour.

Richard grew up in Colfax where he graduated from Colfax High School in 1949. He married his high school classmate, Helen Krebs on June 10, 1951, at the First Methodist Church in Colfax. She died on April 30, 2008.

Richard attended Iowa State Teachers College from 1949­-1952 until drafted into the United States Army in July 1952. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. After discharge from service he re-enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) and received his Bachelors Degree in 1955 and was also a member of the basketball team. In 1962, he completed his Masters Degree in Education from State College of Iowa. He did additional graduate work as well as school administration workshops.

Richard began his 38-year career in education in August 1955 as a teacher of physical education, driver education, and coach of baseball and basketball at Orange Junior and Senior High School in Waterloo. In 1959, he became High School Principal and Director of Athletics at Orange High School which he held until its closing in June 1972.

The following August he had the privilege of opening the new Waterloo Central High School and served as its principal for 9 years. In August 1981 Richard became Director of Student Placement and Records and Director of Athletics for the Waterloo Schools. He served a total of 12 years in that position until his retirement in June 1993.

As athletic administrator, he was actively involved in coordination and construction of a new press box and lighting project for Sloan Wallace Stadium. He also served on the PASS Committee (Persons Advocating a Student Stadium), which raised $2 million in donations for building the new track and football stadium. He also served as Northeast Iowa District Director for the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association from 1985-1987.

Richard was affiliated with several professional organizations during his educational career. He was a “life member” of the National Education Association, a member of National Association of Secondary School Principals, School Administrators of Iowa, Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association, and Phi Delta Kappa-UNI Chapter.

He attended South Waterloo Church of the Brethren and served on the church board. He was a member and past president (1991-1992) of Waterloo Kiwanis Club. He was honored as the Phi Delta Kappan “Kappan of the Year” in 1993, nominated for SAI’s Central Office Administrator of the Year in 1993, and selected “Boss of the Year” for 1971-1972 by the American Business Women’s Association “Wild Rose Chapter.” Most recently he volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Richard was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and member of Black Hawk Lodge #65 and El Kahir Shrine Temple.

Along with his love of sports, he loved playing golf and going fishing. He enjoyed time spent with his friends and family and loved supporting his granddaughters in all their endeavors.

He is survived by his sons, Steven (Linda) Miles of Hudson and Douglas of Waterloo; granddaughters, Casey and Corey; his brother- and sister-in-law, Jerry and Margaret Krebs Kunze of Maxwell, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Susan Rice of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather; a brother, Gary H. Miles; a sister, Karen (Barbour) Lasky; and his wife, Helen of 57 years.

Services:
Monday, May 7, 2018 at South Waterloo Church of the Brethren, 6227 Kimball Ave.

Cemetery:
Monday, May 7, 2018 at Colfax Cemetery, Colfax, IA with military rites by Iowa Army National Guard Honor Guard

Memorials:
South Waterloo Church of the Brethren

SOURCE: Locke Funeral Home website