Leroy Mitchell Mills was born in Thayer, Missouri, the only child of Hade Mills and Vesta Mitchell Mills on April 30, 1941. He was born in the log cabin, which is now located at Sherwood Park; two miles west on W highway. Leroy departed this life at 5:50 p.m. on May 29, 2019 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas, of Lewy Body Dementia, at the age of 78 years.
He was united in marriage to Loretta Honeycutt in Thayer, Missouri on September 3, 1960. They spent fifty-eight wonderful years together.
He leaves to grieve his passing, wife, Loretta Mills, of the home in Thayer, Missouri; his only son, Byron Kelly Mills and wife, Holly, of Harrison, Arkansas; one grandson, Joshua Ryan Mills of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one granddaughter, Jennifer Ludbrook of Nixa, Missouri; many of Loretta’s family along with several fishing and hunting buddies; other relatives; countless friends; and he also leaves behind his furry friend, Miss Kitty, who is still crying for him.
Those gone on before are his parents, Hade and Vesta Mills, and a special Uncle Roy and Aunt Hettie Dunsmore.
Leroy worked for Frisco, Burlington Northern and Burlington Northern Santa Fe for thirty-five years, retiring in 2002 as a conductor. Retirement was spent on Northfork Lake and at their trailer most of the time.
Leroy enjoyed keeping his yard neat and had great gardens, he often shared with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, hunting all types of game. In later years, he enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews youth hunting.
Leroy was a loving mate and always saw to it that Loretta received the care she needed. He enjoyed the time he spent with his son, Byron, and grandchildren, Joshua and Jennifer, especially on four-wheelers. Leroy and Loretta have a special great nephew, Dawson Harris, which they cared for four years and took Dawson to the lake with them for weeks at a time. Leroy called for him to the bitter end.
Leroy will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and a friend to all. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 15, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.