Preston Mills

Darrell Preston Mills, 74, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on March 11 at the Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield.

He was born November 13, 1950, in Auxvasse, Missouri to Oscar Philip Mills and Virginia Fay (Martin) Mills. They both preceded him in death.

Preston graduated from North Callaway R-1 High School in Kingdom City, Missouri in 1969 where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He grew up on a livestock and row crop farm near Auxvasse which fostered his love of agriculture.

Preston had a natural sales talent and loved the art of making the sale. He spent much of his career with Sydenstricker Implement Company of Mexico, Missouri, one of the largest John Deere dealers in Missouri. He took his well-known smile and easy-going manner onto farms throughout North/Central Missouri. Farmers would often joke, "I went to see Preston about buying a lawnmower and would end up leaving with a $100,000 combine I didn't even know I needed."

That love of machinery was the reason each year he would try to attend the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

His love of sales also led him to attend the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, the oldest and largest auction school in the world. He graduated March 8, 2003. Through the years, he auctioned many farm and equipment sales throughout the area.

Preston also competed in tractor pulls throughout North/Central Missouri including the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. But, it wasn't enough to just successfully compete. His love of barbeque was for a time put on display during the Missouri State Fair tractor pulls. He'd set up his grill and fix beef kabobs and pork steaks for friends and strangers alike. He even created his own special BBQ sauce, the ingredients of which were never shared with anyone.

That interest in cooking was nurtured during his six-year (1970-1976) service in the Missouri National Guard.

Preston was united in marriage to Janet Sue (Crawford) Mills on March 8, 1970, at Pleasant Gove Methodist Church in Hatton, Missouri. They recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. He was a member of the Ozark Highlands Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri.

Preston enjoyed camping with his family and along with his wife, Sue, often traveled with friends from church on several camping trips. While the Branson area may have been his favorite camping destination, he and his wife were also well-known to camp near Mark Twain Lake in north Missouri.

Preston enjoyed roller coasters, fishing, tinkering on old tractors with his son, Samuel, and trying any new restaurant where his son, Charles, might be working. However, nothing would top his love of ice cream, needing a bowl virtually every night while watching television.

In 2012, Preston and Sue moved from Central Missouri to the Ozarks to be closer to their grandchildren. He loved his family and spent his final years attending his granddaughter's basketball games, dance competitions and occasionally falling asleep at a recital or two.

Preston is survived by his wife, Janet Sue (Crawford) Mills, two sons, Charles Preston Mills of Nixa, Missouri, Samuel Ryan Mills of Washington, Missouri, and one daughter, April Renee (Steven) Loehr of Nixa, Missouri, along with four grandchildren, Scarlett, Shaeley, Stella, and Saige Loehr, as well as several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are two brothers, Oscar Philip (Sonja) Mills, Jr. of Hudson Oaks, Texas, Patrick Lewis (Norma) Mills of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and two sisters, Paula Fay (Steve) Lierheimer of Mexico, Missouri, and Penny Lynn Westfall of Mexico, Missouri.

Preston could tell a story like no other and wouldn't leave out a single detail. He will be remembered for his ever-present smile, warm personality, love of the outdoors and dedication to his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Ozark Highlands Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Thixton officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Adams Funeral Home. Cremation will be accorded by Adams Crematory.

A second Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church in Hatton, Missouri hosted by the family.