Willard Leon Mills, longtime resident of Owasso, was born April 18, 1933, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Herman and Ethelyn (Bradley) Mills. He died Friday, March 6, 2015, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 81 years. Willard was married May 4, 1956, in Altus, Oklahoma, to Dortha Morgan. He was a veteran of the armed forces having served his country honorably with the United States Army. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force and the National Guard, serving with the 45th Infantry Division Thunderbirds. Willard completed his education attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in criminal justice. Willard and Dortha had made their home in Owasso since 1974. He spent most of his working life as a trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, retiring as a lieutenant. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes including traveling in his motor home with the Holiday Ramblers. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and an active member of the Owasso Sertoma Club.
Loving family members include: His wife of over 58 years; Dortha, of the home Son and daughter-in-law; Kirk and Janna Mills, of San Antonio, Texas Daughter and son-in-law; Kristy and Scott Skidmore, of Owasso Five grandchildren: Morgan Skidmore Kelsey Skidmore Turner Mills Trevor Mills Carson Skidmore Brother; Jim Mills and his wife Norman He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Gene Mills, of Coffeyville, Kansas and an infant daughter, Liza Renee Mills.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso with Chaplain Jack Green officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery in Owasso. Funeral honors and gun salute with be provided by members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Clarehouse, 7617 South Mingo Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74133. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
