"I worked at Southridge when Don was there. He was a great guy!!! So sorry for your loss"
In loving memory of
Donald Mills
January 28, 1932 - August 13, 2018
Donald Thurston Mills, 86, died peacefully on August 13, 2018, with his family and awesome staff of Ulery 3 Iowa Veterans Home by his side. There will be a celebration of Don's life for family and friends to be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., September 1, 2018, at Calvin Rockett Bar and Grill, upstairs. Come socialize with family and friends and bring a fond memory to share. Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Don was born on January 28, 1932, in Redfield, Iowa, to Ella Francis Shaw and R.C. Mills. He grew up in Redfield one of six siblings. He was the youngest boy in his family. Don graduated high school in 1950, and shortly after that, entered the United States Air Force. He served from 1951 to 1956. Don obtained the rank of E-5. He served in England where he met and married Leslie Waters in 1955. Following the Air Force, they made their home in Des Moines, IA, where Don received his B.S. in Education from Drake University. Also at that time, he entered the Air reserve where he obtained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Later they moved to Marshalltown, and had four children. They were married for 18 years and divorced in 1973. Don taught school from 1959 to 1992. He taught 5th and 6th grade at Anson Elementary. Don's students may remember his passion for teaching and his occasional eraser toss. He served two terms in the 1980's as the 2nd ward councilman for Marshalltown. Don enjoyed local politics and his friendships made during that time period. Following his retirement from teaching, Don lived twenty years in Texas, enjoying warm weather and hobbies related to outdoor life and environmental science. He later returned to Marshalltown to be close to family. Prior to moving into the Iowa Veterans Home in March of this year, Don lived several happy years at The Embers in Marshalltown. Upon death, it was Don's wishes to have his body donated to the University of Iowa Hospital for further education and study. Don was still the teacher to the end.
Don is survived by his four children: Kim (Doug) Hanken of Marshalltown, Julie (Jeff) Miller of Marshalltown, Matt Mills of Marshalltown, and Mike Mills of Cedar Rapids, IA; stepdaughter Lara Stauffer from a second marriage of Green Bay, WI; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, brother John Mills of Des Moines, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friends Rick and Nancy Ahn of Marshalltown.
Tributes
"I was a 6th-grade student in Don?s first teaching year in Marshalltown (when he was only 27), and we?ve kept in touch over the 59 years since that time. He remembered and loved to talk about the students and happenings from that first year. I remember those chalkboard erasers(!), as well as his encouragement of other things outside the normal classroom routine?including my occasional science experiments. I?ll miss him. With condolences to Don?s family, Mark Fleming, Naperville, Illinois"
"I new don and the family please accept my condolences I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wish we could be there to celebrate Uncle Don's life with all the family. We have many fun and fond memories of Uncle Donny - his jokes, laughter, and spunky spirit. God bless."
"Kim, Julie, and Matt, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Always enjoyed his humor. Sorry I will be out of town Saturday, but my thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Family, so sorry to here of the passing of Mr. Mills as I always called him. Will remember boy scouts. He was a good man. Kim, Mike, Julie and Matt god bless. Ralph Maxwell and Family"
"I am sorry for your loss. May your memories help you in the days, weeks and months ahead. "
"A good hearted man, great drivers-ed instuctor. A man to always look up to. Sorry for this difficult loss. God bless. Michael Carr"
"Such memories of Donald T. My two favorites are..Camping in the park and his dune buggy. Then visiting with him when he moved to Texas close to my mom & step dad, Barb & Kerrol. He would come for Thanksgiving or Christmas meals and always wanted that Yankee turkey dressing or chili, not the Texas stuff! Thoughts and prayers to the entire Mills family. RIP Donald T. Patti Buffington"
"Kim, Matt and Julie: I read of your Dad's passing. He was such a hoot! He used to call me "Legs!" Whenever he was around, he asked if I needed anything fixed. He was always so kind to me. I'm sorry for your loss. Prayers and good thoughts to you all. Monica Peterson Williams"
"Kim, Julie, Matt and Family -- I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I would see him quite frequently at the Embers when my mom was still there, always friendly and happy. May you find comfort in many memories and lots of stories...Don always seemed to have a story...he talked about the family often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug and Mary Knox"
"Matt, Julie and Kim and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. i enjoyed knowing your dad. David Thomas"
"So sorry to hear of his passing...my thoughts and prayers are with the family.."
"Kim, Julie, Matt and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. RIP Don. Terry and Trish Crosser"
"Thoughts and prayers, Matt and family. So sorry for your loss!!!!!!"
"Rest Eternal, Don."
"Mr. Mills was a good teacher and a great guy. I enjoyed talking with him at the Embers. He will be missed."