Obituary of Rev. Msgr. Milam E. Kleas

Rev. Monsignor Milam E. Kleas, age 93, went to meet the Lord on March 15, 2022.

Milam was born the middle of three children. He grew up in Port Arthur attending St. James Catholic School for 12 years, graduating as Salutatorian. With his parents’ required blessing, he entered the seminary at age 17. He graduated from the seminary at age 23 and was ordained shortly thereafter on May 24, 1951. In 1980, he attended the University of St. Thomas graduating with a Masters in Divinity.

During his career, he served at eleven Galveston-Houston area catholic parishes including St. Mary’s in Orange, St. Hyacinth in Deer Park, St. Frances Cabrini in Houston, and St. Bartholomew in Katy. He spent 13 years at the Shrine of the True Cross in Dickinson before retiring at age 75 and another 11 years at St Maximilian Kolbe after he retired. Other positions he held within the Diocese included Director of the Permanent Diaconate and Dean of the Galveston/Mainland Deanery.

When Milam was not working, he was busy fishing somewhere or planning to fish. When he sat down to a game of dominos or cards, he warned the other players that “he was taking his priest collar” off to play. There is a real gladness in everyone that speaks of their time with Milam. He positively touched so many lives. His sermons were born out of his respect for the faith and always motivated people to do better. In May 2021, he celebrated 70 years in the Catholic priesthood. His wit and wisdom will be missed.

Milam was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Christine Kleas; his sister, Margaret; his brothers-in-law, Jack McKnight, James Ussery, and James Rose Jr.; his nephews, Jack McKnight, Jr.; and Jim Rose.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy McKnight Ussery; his many nieces and nephews, and many more great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a Vigil for the Deceased and recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 10135 West Road in Houston, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 24, 2022, also at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casa Juan Diego, Catholic Charities or Catholic Relief Services.