Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lawrence Mills Obituary
Lorenzo (as he enjoyed being called), taught Art and Art History at Central for 43 years.
He attended Grinnell College, was a Drake University graduate, a Fulbright scholar, earned his MFA from the University of Georgia and PhD from the University of Iowa. His specialty of Mayan Art history earned him the honor of a period of ceramics named "The Mills Period". He was instrumental in the establishment of an overseas campus in Merida,Yucatan, Mexico. His notable service in World War II was as an officer aboard the USS Boise in the Pacific theater.
Professor Mills was a lifelong scholar of art, history and the natural world as his daily creative entries in his hand bound sketch journals attest. His conversations were replete with insightful questions, discussions and quick witted sometimes adult humor.
A treasured accomplishment where he also certainly found solace, inspiration and purpose was the conservation of his family timberland homesteaded in 1854 and with his efforts protected in perpetuity via the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
He was preceded in death by his wife Evangeline Lubbers and brother Max Milo Mills. He is survived by his children Marcus (Peggy) Mills (Olivia, Hillary, Caroline), Lisa (Michael) Mills-LaValle (Evangeline, Antoinette, Genevieve), Thaddeus (Megan) Mills (Max, Eliza) and dear friend Tamiko VanZante.
A celebration of life gathering is planned for January 21st from 4:00-6:00 at Trellis Café in Des Moines. A memorial open house is also planned for the Mills Gallery, Central College in Pella, Iowa on May 20th from 1-4pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation or Art Department of Central College.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Mills
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Lawrence Mills's name
Memorial Events
for Lawrence Mills
How to support Lawrence's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Lawrence Mills's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
