Col. Lewis Lee Millett, 88, of Idyllwild died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at Loma Linda VA Hospital from cardiac arrest.

Col. Millett was born on Dec. 15, 1920 in Mechanic Falls, Maine to George Lee and Elsie Ranlett Millett.

Col. Millett’s military career spanned more than three decades. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Over his lifetime he was awarded many medals, including the nation’s highest level of valor, the Medal of Honor.

Col. Millett held many distinguished offices including National Commander of Legion of Valor and Sargeant of Arms Emeritus of the Medal of Honor Society. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Legion of Valor, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge, Freemasons, Veterans Advisory Committee, and many other.

After retiring from the military in 1973, Col. Millett was a Deputy Sheriff in Tennessee and a Justice of the Peace in Merke, Texas. He moved to Idyllwild in 1982.

Col. Millett is survived by sons, Lewis Lee Millett Jr. and Timothy C. Millett, both of Idyllwild; daughter, Elizabeth W. Millett; brother, Albert Stronach of Mechanic Falls, Maine; sisters Ellen Larrabee of Mechanic Falls, Maine; Alice Jean Pepin of Turner, Maine; and Marion Finnity of Florida; and grandchildren Matthew L. Millett and Megan M. Millett of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Joseph M. Millet of Idyllwild; and Leesha Rivera of Pagosa Springs, Colo. He was predeceased by his wife, Winona Millett, and a son, John M. Millett.

Viewings will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 4 at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Road, Sun City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the National Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside. Masonic rites will be conducted at graveside for family only. A reception will follow at the March Air Museum until 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Family Home Orphanage at: Peace Bridge, 715 South King Street, Suite 503, Honolulu, HI 96813.

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