Miles S. Bilek

Miles S. Bilek, 93, 22 year resident of the Village of Oak Creek-Sedona, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2008 in Cottonwood. He was the son of Stanley and Frances (Palma) Bilek; born December 31, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois. While living in Chicago he graduated from Harrison High School; he also met and married Edna L. Arndt. Later, Miles and his family to moved to Laurel, Mississippi where he worked as a cost accountant for over 25 years at the Masonite Hard Board Plant. Miles was a member of the First-Trinity Presbyterian Church; singing in the choir and serving as an Elder and Deacon. He was also active in the Laurel Little Theatre where he held the position of treasurer; and occasionally enjoyed participating in some of the stage productions. Following his retirement from Masonite; Miles and Edna retired to the Sedona area; which he often referred to as, "living in Heaven". Miles was active in the community as a member of the Oak Creek Estados Homeowner\u0027s Association. He was an avid tennis player, and continued playing well into his eighties. Miles was also an avid reader-it could be said of him, "He always had a song in his heart, a smile on his face, and a book in his lap". He also enjoyed fishing, and music-specifically the guitar and the violin. He is preceded in death by his brother, Otto Bilek; two sisters, Stella Renner, and Francis McLeod; and his parents. Miles leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Edna L. Bilek of the Village of Oak Creek-Sedona; two daughters, Marlene Taheny of Chicago, Illinois, and Gwen Griffin of Sedona; 3 grandchildren, Colin (Kate) Taheny, Ryan (Sharon) Taheny, and Shannon (Art) Taheny-O\u0027Neil; as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Ryan G. Taheny, Olivia Taheny, and Caden Taheny-All of whom he adored. His family will forever remember him as a loving and devoted, husband and father. A Farewell Gathering will be held in September at the Oak Creek Estados Club House, 65 Verde Valley Schools Rd. in Sedona. Further information and an online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com. Memorial Donations made in Miles name can be sent to either: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Rd., Sedona Arizona 86336, or to: First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 528, Laurel, Mississippi 39441.