Bradley A. Mills

Bradley Allan Mills, 63, died February 27, 2026.

Brad was born in Lafayette, IN on June 11, 1962. Son of Arnold Mills and Virginia Rutledge Mills. He graduated from McCutcheon High School in 1980.

Brad attended Vincennes University, earning an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1982.

Brad proudly served the United States Army from 1983-1986. He was stationed in many locations. His most memorable being Heidelberg, Germany, where he had top security clearance for nuclear weapons.

In 1985, Brad was one of 12, fourth class Signal Corps specialists who were commended for their prompt, calm, and tactful response when a Pershing 2 missile caught fire at the Red Leg missile site in West Germany on January 11, 1985. Brad and his unit's efforts saved numerous lives that day.

Brad loved adventure and attended the Airborne School which allowed him to jump out of airplanes and helicopters in the military.

Brad was then transferred to Washington D.C. where he was selected to be on White House Communication Agency (WHCA) for President Ronald Reagan.

On February 22, 1986, Brad married Jamie Leigh Bradley of Lafayette, IN. They celebrated their 40 th anniversary together, and with family, on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

When Brad was honorably discharged from the military, he and Jamie raised their two children, Kyle (Audrey) Mills and Chad (Kylee) Mills, in Lafayette, IN. Brad enjoyed attending his sons' sporting events through their education careers. He spent countless hours acting as catcher in the yard and mentoring his sons on how to treat others with respect and dignity.

Brad loved being a grandfather to Jackson, Madison, Carson, Zoey, Graham, and Gavin Mills. He was always there to babysit, play a board game, and when able, cheer on the kids at their sporting events. Brad was a beloved Grandfather who loved having long conversations with each of his six grandchildren. He used this time to offer life advice and unyielding support for all of their hobbies and interests.

Brad grew up on Arnold and Virginia Mills' farm with his five siblings; Chuck (Linda) Fleming, Dottie (Pelkyong) Mills, Mary (Steve) Landy, Katie Mills, and Randy Mills. He will be dearly missed by his siblings.

In 2025, Brad retired from the maintenance department at Kirby Risk Service Center after being employed there for 22 years.

Bradley was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Virgina Mills; his sister, Katie Mills; and his cherished aunt and uncle; Bud and Janice Waterstraat.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Service will be 11:00 am Friday, March 6, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, Dick Waterstraat officiating. Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made the American Legion in Bradley's memory.