Don R. Mills, age 82, a lifelong resident of Bonner Springs, Kansas passed away on Dec. 14th, 2021. On Saturday Dec. 18th the Visitation will be 9:30-10:30am, with the Rosary beginning at 10:30am. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am all at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Monticello Union Cemetery.
Don was born on June 24th, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas, to Kathryn (Anderson) Mills & Benny Mills of Bonner Springs.
Don grew up in Bonner Springs and graduated from Bonner Springs High School in the Class of 1957. After graduation he enrolled in the Bradley University School of Watch & Clock Repair in Peoria, Illinois. He did watch & clock repair from his home and for several Antique Shops in the Kansas City area.
Don also had worked for 43 years at Lone Star Industries of Bonner Springs. He was a member of the Lone Star 25 year Club and for 17 years had been Recording Secretary for the United Cement, Lime, & Gypsum Workers Union #85. He also was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Bonner Springs and Shawnee, a Charter member of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus in Bonner and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Leavenworth, KS. He was a member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, member of the Heart of America Chapter 36 Watch & Clock Collectors, charter member of the Monticello Historical Society and a member of the Model A & T Ford Club of Kansas City. Don was preceded in death by his parents Benny & Kathryn Mills and by one brother Jack Mills.
Don was married to Melba Mitchell also of Bonner Springs on June 24th, 1970 at “Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church” in Jackson, Wyoming. She survives at the home. Other survivors include his brother Ben Mills, niece Patti Mills Deranek and her three children Darren and his wife Molly, Tara and Andrea, all of Bonner Springs, one nephew Kenny Mills of Paola, KS.
Melba’s children: Mary Deon Mitchell of the home, Maurice Mitchell, II and wife Carolyn of Shawnee, KS., Michael Mitchell and wife Tricia of Basehor, KS., Monte Mitchell and wife Marty of Lenexa, KS., Murry Mitchell and wife Anette of Leavenworth, KS., and Marc Mitchell and wife JoAnn of Martinez, CA., as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.