Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard Ray Mills

Feb. 27, 1930 - May 28, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/30/2008
MISHAWAKA - Richard Ray Mills, 78, of Dragoon Trail, Mishawaka, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, at 3:05 a.m. in Southfield Meadows Rehabilitation Unit, Richard "Dick" was born on February 27, 1930, in Goshen, IN as the son of Hilda M. (Grover) Mills and Delbert R. Mills, who preceded him in death.

On April 1, 1967, he married Patricia J. Sidell in Elkhart, who survives. A son, Kent Ray Mills survives, along with his wife, Elizabeth Anne (Beale) Mills. Richard graduated from Goshen High School in 1948 and Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1959, with an A.B. degree, dual majors: Journalism and Psychology, financed by the G.I. Bill, "Little 500" Scholastic Scholarship, and part-time jobs. Richard joined the U. S. Air Force in 1950, during the Korean Conflict, serving his country and received his honorable discharge in 1954. He served as a staff sergeant, in charge of a six-man Air Force headquarters office. His work experience was that of a sales correspondent and coordinator for the former IXL Furniture Company in Goshen. Richard also spent 11 years working for C.G. Conns, making mechanical and electronic drawings, in the organ-piano department in Elkhart. His final working years were spent at the Indiana State Employment Office, as an employment specialist, in Elkhart. He served at the voting polls for a number of years. Richard thoroughly enjoyed being a staff member of the Indiana Daily Student, as both a reporter and music reviewer, on I.U.'s campus. He loved the water: swimming and diving; boating and fishing. During his younger years he was interested and good at tennis, photography, travel, chess, bowling, and was a competent archer (with son, Kent). Richard was a member of the Coalbush United Methodist Church for 41 years, and a member of the Willing Workers Class. Visitation will be Friday, May 30, 3 to 8 p.m. at the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka.

Funeral services will be at the Coalbush United Methodist Church, 15977 Jackson Road, Mishawaka, with Rev. Jim Davidson officiating, on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the funeral service in the church. Burial will be at Rice Cemetery, Elkhart. Pallbearers shall be Bob Krier, Don Paff, Jim Hunsberger, Jack Saunders, Dave Schroeder, Nathanael Crabtree, and Jonathan Crabtree. The family wishes to thank the Memorial Hospital's Heart and Vascular Department and the Southfield Meadows Rehab. for their loving care and concern for Dick. Memorials may be made to Coalbush United Methodist Church, 15977 Jackson Road, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544.