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Archie Mills Obituary
Funeral services for Archie Lloyd Mills (U.S. Navy Retired LCDR), 99, Lawrence will be held 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. He passed away Friday, December 13, 2013 at the Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community.
Archie was born July 14, 1914 in Brentwood, Arkansas and moved to Lawrence with his family in 1919. Archie was a career Navy Pilot and was assigned to PBY-5 rescue planes. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for sending the first torpedo into a huge Japanese transport in the first attack of the Battle of Midway. He was also awarded the Medal for a successful night bombing mission against a Japanese air base in the South Pacific.
Upon retirement, Archie worked with his brother, Lawrence, at Securities Investment Co. He dedicated many hours to the University of Kansas Relays.
Archie is preceded in death by his first wife, Violet McKone Mills, brother, Lawrence Mills, son, Patrick "Skeeter" Mills and wife, Cathy Anderson Mills.
Survivors include Rex and Marguerite Mills of Morton, IL, Marc Mills of Gilberts, IL, Julie and husband, David Sprague of Salem, NH, Pam Scott of Phoenix, AZ, Stuart and Roger Mills of Lawrence, Mike Mills of Overland Park, Suzanne Mills of Lawrence, Vicki Cathey and husband, Steve of Casper, Wyoming and Doug Anderson and wife, Brenda of Belton, MO. Archie also has seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Archie will be missed so much by family, friends and staff at Pioneer Ridge. The family wishes to thank Douglas County Visiting Nurses Hospice.
The family will greet friends from 5 – 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2013 at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Douglas County Visiting Nurse Hospice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Archie Mills
6 Entries
December 24, 2013
Archie, "Ole Dad", was a second father to me. Violet, "Betty Crocker", was a second mother to me. The best part was we were best friends, something important that most children don't actually share with their real parents. I was a part of life at "The Funderosa" when the boys, Skeeter, Roger and Stuart, were boys and young men growing up. Pam brought me into her family as a "brother best friend". It used to weird out Pam's dates to find my car on the driveway with me having dinner with the family when the date came to pick her up. She would say, "Aw, forget it! McCune is just like my brother!" They would leave, and then we would all have a laugh around the table. Losing Violet was like losing my own mother. I've never forgotten her and the love I had for her. Remembrance of her brings tears to my eyes. Now, losing Archie completes the loss of my own family and my extended family. I was forever blessed with the love I received from the Mills family. My tears reveal the love I had for this family. Archie (and Violet as well) were "one of a kind" people the world is occasionally blessed with. My wonderful memories will last me a lifetime, and I will be forever grateful for the genuine love and support they gave me as the "adopted out of love" son.
Dr. Dale E. McCune
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Julie Mills-Sprague
December 16, 2013
Uncle Archie had a big heart and a happy soul. He was always ready with a smile and a handshake. I will forever treasure fond memories of Archie and family gatherings at "The Ranch". He always made me smile. Although it has been years since I have visited, I will miss him. With heartfelt sympathy to Roger, Pam and Stuart.
Helen Pendleton Rumbaut
December 16, 2013
My father, Bill Pendleton, told me about his friend Archie's passing. They had known one another for decades, and Dad bought a Ford 9N tractor from him back in the '60s. May the Lord Jesus Christ give peace to all who mourn with His peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Martin Owens
December 15, 2013
Sorry to learn of Archie's demise. He was a regular Koffee Klatcher attendee with my dad in recent years. He will be missed. Martin Owens
Linda Nelson-Votaw
December 15, 2013
I remember the fond loving care Mr. Mills gave to his wife Catherine Mills. I always enjoyed Mr. Mills when I got to visit with him. I knew him through his Dental Office where I used to work. His son Roger and I used to ride the school bus together.
My Thoughts are with you the family during this hard time.
Linda Nelson-Votaw
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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