David E. Mills

David E. Mills, 88, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 6:44 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora. David was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 1, 1937, in Normal, Illinois, to Ralph and Marjorie (Martin) Mills. He married Sandra J. “Sandy” Smith on February 8, 1957 in Lincoln, Illinois. They were married for more than 66 years until Sandy passed away on November 15, 2023.

Surviving are their children, Lisa (Jonathan) Coates of East Peoria, IL, and Greg (Sharyn) Mills of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Drake Mills, Katie (Nick) Yatsko, Benjamin Coates, Timothy (Julia) Burns Coates, Sydney Mills, Peyton Mills, and Zeb Mills; great-granddaughter, Eloise Yatsko; brother, Johnny Mills of Springfield, IL; and sister, Betsy Keefe of Lincoln, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sandy, his son, Douglas, and sister, Susan Fultz.

David enjoyed a successful career in sales, marketing, and motivational speaking. He retired as the owner of 21st Century Marketing in 2013. He trained and mentored hundreds of client-students in customer service and communication skills. He traveled with his wife internationally and shared the stage with former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca and President George H.W. Bush. David was an avid outdoorsman and most enjoyed hunting waterfowl. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and enjoyed hunting with the Barnhole Boys at Mallard Farms. David was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria, IL. David loved the Snyder Village Care Team where he served a term as the resident council president and conducted customer service training sessions for the Team members.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church, 1700 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL 61614 or to Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

Salem Lutheran Church, 1700 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL  61614

Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL  61548