Joseph (Joe) Alexander Mileur

Joseph (Joe) Alexander Mileur died early on Monday morning, December 29th. He was 92 years old and on his way to 100, but his wife, Betty got tired of waiting and called him up to heaven a little early. Joe was one of nine children born to Frank Mileur and Edith Cluster. He was the eldest son and the last survivor. He was too busy watching over his siblings and too stubborn to do anything he was told. So, he was literally the last man standing. Joe was born on September 21st, 1922 and lived his early years on the farm in Murphysboro helping his father. He left high school early to join the army. On June 6th, 1944, D-Day, Joe landed on Utah Beach in Normandy. He had barely started inland before he was hit in the leg by a piece of shrapnel. In his words, "They put a Band-Aid on it and sent me back". Three weeks later, he suffered a near fatal injury when he was struck in the abdomen by an 88-millimeter German shell. Fortunately, the shell was a dud. Unfortunately, Joe required multiple surgeries and three months of hospitalization before returning home. He spent the rest of his life dealing with the impact of his war injuries. He was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart and proudly displayed his Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran license plates. In 1944, Joe met his future wife, Betty Jane Lynch. They were married on April 14th, 1945 and remained married for 66 years until Betty died on August 28th, 2011. Shortly after their marriage, Joe and Betty moved to Phoenix where they successfully started and operated a beauty school and a high fashion hair salon known as Mileur's Coiffures. Joe transformed from war hero to hair stylist as he charmed the clients with his stories. Mileur's Coiffures was one of the most successful salons in Arizona with clients including the Governor's wife and several local officials. After Joe and Betty became the proud parents of Rachelle and Joey, Joe brought his family back to his hometown of Murphysboro because, "The city is no place to raise kids." Betty opened her own hair salon in the home and Joe became an ironworker. After an injury forced him to retire from iron working, Joe returned to his farming roots. He could grow anything and loved to try new vegetables including brussel sprouts grown specially for his daughter. Joe became known as the King of sweet corn. He took great pride in growing the best Silver Queen in the area - so good that "it didn't need butter". Joe was also an avid hunter who hunted all forms of birds, deer, and various varmints. He ate everything he hunted and told his children it "tastes just like chicken". Betty helped the children believe their father by adding, "everything tastes better with gravy." Joe never met a stranger. He made the rounds of every coffee shop in Murphysboro and kept track of all the current events. He enjoyed sharing stories and holding court in his "glass barn" behind the house. Most of all, he loved his wife, children, friends and big extended family. His spirit will live on in his daughter Rachelle Marie Mileur of Seattle with Chelle's children, Grace Marie and Jackson Joseph Patrick and his son, Joseph Patrick Mileur and Joey's son Joseph Carter, and lots of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout Southern Illinois and parts beyond. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by 6 sisters; Oma Rendleman, Alma “Sis” Schindler, Ruth Fite, Sue Rushing, Billie Koenig, and Loretta Mileur and two brothers; Frank J. Mileur Jr. and Max G. Mileur. Joe truly cherished his friends and family. He would love it if you could come by for one last visit to share a story and remember his long life. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, January 2nd at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 3rd at Crawshaw Funeral Home, Father Gary Gummersheimer will officiate. Burial with military rites by American Legion Post 127, V.F.W. Post 7190 both of Murphysboro, V.F.W Post 2605 of Carbondale and Jackson County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 69 will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at Mileur's Orchards on West Route 149 following the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to the D.A.V.

Joseph (Joe) Alexander Mileur

September 21, 1922 - December 29, 2014