Ronald Gene Mills

1933 - 2026

Ronald Gene Mills

Gene passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 26th at the age of 92 in his home in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was born on December 30th, 1933 in Crawfordsville to Earnie Mills and Shirley Proctor Mills. His Mother passed away when he was six years of age, his father then married Dora “Dode” Mills, who helped raise him on the Farm. Gene graduated from Alamo High School and on June 7th, 1952 he married the love of his life, Verda May Fruits.

After graduation Gene began farming with his father until he joined the U.S. Army in 1955. After basic training he was stationed in California as a Radar Operator. After completing his military obligations, he returned to Crawfordsville and began his career as a Master Printer and Supervisor at R.R. Donnelley.  After 35 years he retired from R.R. Donnelley Crawfordsville, and agreed to move to Seymour, IN to assist in starting a new direct mail venture. After retiring from the Printing profession, he worked with Sabens Construction as a carpenter which gave him the idea to start the Big Four addition on Big Four Arch Road.

Gene spent his “retirement years” farming, gardening, raising his specialty sweet corn and growing fresh vegetables. He loved Family Fish Frys, enjoying his winters in Florida, learning to saltwater fish, and making new friends.

Gene especially loved his Family: wife of 73 years, Verda Mills; son, Garry Mills; two daughters, Paula Daugherty (Tim Daugherty), and Ronda Pecaric(John Pecaric); sister Bobbie Wetli; two granddaughters, Jamie Chastain(Todd Chastain), and Minde Freischlag(Kevin Freischlag); Joshua Pecaric(Courtney Pecaric); Parker Daugherty(Gina Daugherty), Taylor Daugherty(Kourtney Daugherty), Hunter Daugherty(Julio Montemayor), eleven great-grandchildren, Caleb, Wesley, Joshua, Julia May, Alyssa, Elijah, Rylee, Natalie, Josie, Connor, Mickey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Don, step-sister, Jane Pickett, along with several other half-siblings and step-siblings.

Thank you, Gene/Father/Grandfather/Great Grandfather, for teaching us the importance of family. You are an excellent example of strength, courage, humor and kindness. You will be forever missed and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing you!

Visitation will be from 10 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, April 11th at Burkhart Funeral Home.  Services will begin at 11 AM.  After the service he will be laid to rest with military rites at Indian Creek Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.