Funeral services for Edson F. Mills, 90, Lawrence will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012 at Central United Methodist Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Mills died March 30, 2012 at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility.
He was born Aug. 3, 1921, in America City, Kan., the son of Frank Lowell and Opal May (Seymour) Mills. He graduated from Corning (Kansas) High School in 1939, having played for the CHS football, track, and basketball teams. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, where he served as a machinist and a petty officer, touring the Pacific Rim and the Mediterranean.
He returned to Lawrence in 1946 to visit a cousin and found work at the Kansas State Employment Service. He later became manager of the renamed Lawrence Job Service until his retirement in 1989. He was honored by then Kansas Gov. John Carlin for his 44 years of service to the state, and the Lawrence City Commission proclaimed May 2, 1986, a day to honor Mr. Mills for his service to the city through the Job Service.
He was a Boy Scout master for nearly eight years; a member of the board of trustees for his church, Central United Methodist, of which he was a member for 65 years; a member and officer in the International Association of Personnel and Employment Security; a member of Toastmasters; and the Lawrence Knife and Fork Club. He loved fishing and the outdoors.
He married Edna Mae Graff on Aug. 14, 1948, in Lawrence. She preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 2008.
Survivors include a son, Larry Mills, of Osh Kosh, Wisc., and a daughter Carol Atkinson, of Warrensburg, MO., as well as several nephews.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, April 6 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at Central United Methodist Church.
The family suggests memorials to the Central United Methodist Church.
so sorry to hear but ed
i sure do miss him when he was at brandwoods retirement home
visiting his wife i sure miss her too
god bless robyn
I was fortunate to work with Eddie Mills for twenty plus years until his retirement. I was priviledged to be his supervisor for a brief period of time. Eddie was dedicated to his job and his community. I loved to play golf with Eddie, because on rare occasions I could best him. He is one of those people that you absolutely never forget and retain the fondest of memories.
Carol – I’m sorry about the passing of such a wonderful man. I loved him so much. Please don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything I can do during this time. See you soon. Love you!! Ann