Ernest M. Mills

Ernest M. "Ernie" Mills, Jr., age 72 of Pocahontas, IL, died Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC) in Saint Louis, MO.
He was born on Saturday, May 7, 1949, in Granite City, IL, the son of Ernest and Patricia (nee Stephens) Mills.
On Friday, December 12, 1986, he married Bonnie L. Mills, nee Stimson, at Las Vegas, Nevada, who survives.
He was a member of Teamsters.
Ernie was born at Granite City, IL; graduated from Granite City High School; and, attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where he was on the wrestling team. He drove for R.M. Dower Trucking Company in Granite City for over 25 years. In 1988, he started raising and training racing thoroughbred horses at Fairmount Park. He and his wife moved to Ohio and worked at Beulah Park, Granite City, OH and Mountaineer Park, Chester, WV for some 21 years. In 2002, he started driving for Estes Trucking Company, retiring in 2017. They moved to Pocahontas, IL in retirement to be with his daughter - they helped with the Wooden Spoon Market and Greenhouse there. Ernie enjoyed being on the farm and at the pond. He was always growing plants and vegetables. His grass cutting style was well-known in the area.
Survivors include:
Wife - Bonnie L. Mills (nee Stimson), Pocahontas, IL
Step Mother - Betty Mills, Collinsville, IL
Daughter - Christy A. (John) Kraus, Highland, IL
Sister - Diane M. (Brian) Lamew, Saint Jacob, IL
Sister - Angela M. (Chris) Logue, Dyersburg, TN
Brother - Stephen S. Mills, Granite City, IL
Nephew - Brandon Lamew
Nephew - Jacob Copeland
He was preceded in death by:
Father - Ernest Mitchell Mills, Sr. - Died 8/28/2003
Mother - Patricia Ann Mills (nee Stephens) - Died 8/22/2013
Sister - Debra A. Mills - Died 12/30/2012
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Private Service will be held by the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grantfork United Church of Christ.