Gerald Mills

Gerald James Mills, age 84, of Ozark, was born December 8, 1933 in Dallas, Texas. He died August 26, 2018 after more than four years battling Alzheimer's disease. He was a genuine authentic All-American guy. He loved his God and his family above all else. His parents Leonard Thomas Mills and Julia Vaughn Mills of Olney, TX preceded him in death by, but in life taught him so much. His dad was a Share Cropper all across Texas. Gerald learned work ethics beginning at age five. A person needed a job, work hard at whatever it was, do an honest job for your pay, and always be able to respect yourself and others. His mother taught him kindness and gentleness, how to read before he started school, and that loving God and family were the most important things in life. Gerald was given many opportunities to show his loving care for his family of six children. Three of them preceded him in death: two brothers, Herman Mills and Leonard Mills, a sister, Nina May Mills, all of Olney, Texas. Survivors include: a brother, Tom Ed Mills of Olney, Texas; a sister, Mollie McMeen and her husband, Bob McMeen of Pilot Point, TX and their son, Robert McMeen and wife Angela and their four children, Taylor, Trey, Ryan and Ethan of Cross Roads, TX. Gerald was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Helen Kunkel Mills. They had a son, Kevin Brent Mills who also survives him along with his wife, Jean Mills and grandson, Sean Andrew Mills of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Gerald married his present wife, Helen Grace Haire Oswalt Mills in 1983 in Austin, Texas. He is survived by her and her son, Steven Oswalt and wife Rhonda of Munroe Falls, Ohio, and their two daughters, Kimberly Elise Oswalt, and Katey Elaine Oswalt of St. Louis, MO. Gerald sincerely wanted to help his family in any way he could to have a better way of life. He left home at age 15 to get a job in the old fields because there was an "oil boom" at that time. He really didn't know that he was going to get far more than just a new job. He was going to meet Jesus in Colorado one Sunday. He found a church and a pastor who was willing to spend all afternoon helping this boy come to know Jesus as his Savior. He was baptized after the fire truck hoses filled up the baptistry due to frozen pipes. He could now go on his way, knowing he wasn't alone, but Jesus was with him. That's why he could smile and he could make it through anything. God blessed him by letting him help his family financially. Gerald worked in the oil fields all over the Southwest until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954. Even then he helped his family by sending home an allotment monthly. He became an Air Borne Ranger, so his allotment could be increased. After the Army, he went to further his education to become an Electronic Engineer. But he still found opportunities to help his two sisters get their higher education, too. They lived with Gerald and his first wife in San Antonio, Texas in order to do just that. Gerald was also responsible for helping Helen get a teaching job in San Antonio, TX, where they lived for 20 years. He served the First Baptist Church in San Antonio by helping at the 4th Street Inn where luncheons were served to anyone who needed a meal. Gerald really enjoyed being a Boy Scout Master where he served as a member of the Round Table. His greatest delight was being a troop leader for his son, Kevin, and other young boys to help them become Eagle Scouts. This included building character as well as survival skills. This just fit into his love of the out-of-doors whatever and whenever he had a chance. He was outside working mowing grass, building a deck, planting a garden, and talking over the fence with a neighbor. He wanted to climb the Grand Teton Mountain in Arizona, and he did after getting a Masters in Mountain Climbing. His parachute experience in Rangers carried over into a hobby also. Traveling to 50 states was on his bucket list, and I was privileged to travel with him to every state except Florida. Gerald was a man of prayer. He was Helen's Prayer Partner. They shared a beautiful life together for almost 35 years. Gerald had a heart to serve others. Due to his declining health, he couldn't help out these last 4 to 5 years, but he wanted to. Just getting a chance to greet people at the church doors was his greatest delight. A graveside memorial service will be 10:00 AM Friday, August 31, at Springfield National Cemetery on Seminole Street in Springfield. Military honors will be observed. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.