Lavern Mills

It is with a heavy heart and a lump in our throat that we remember the life of our beloved Lavern "Bud" Mills, a man who not only knew how to fix a carburetor but also how to bring a smile to your face. Lavern was born on May 19, 1950, in the bustling city of Fort Wayne, and he lived a life as vibrant and sturdy as any automobile he ever repaired. Lavern, or Bud as he was fondly known, was a loving father, a dedicated worker, and a man with a sense of humor that could brighten even the gloomiest of days. He was also courageous, not just in facing the challenges life threw at him, but in daring to be the best auto mechanic. And boy, could he light up a house, not just with his warm personality, but with his love for putting up Christmas lights, a hobby that made Clark Griswold look like an amateur. Throughout his life, Lavern was a pillar of the community. From being a prominent member of the Fremont Moose Lodge to serving as President on the board for Shady Oaks Park at the lake, he was always there to lend a hand or a wrench if need be. He owned Broadway Auto and Truck for over 37 years, proving that if life was a highway, Lavern was the mechanic you wanted in your pit stop. It was clear Lavern found his calling in the auto repair shop. Lavern is survived by his children, Bud (Crystal) Mills, Jennifer (Jordan) Rinkel, Tina (Rodney) Kraner, and Matthew Gyarmati; his grandchildren, Landan, Brayden, Cohen, Savanna Mills, Cole, Kamryn, Quinton, Everleigh Rinkel, Zachery, Trever, Austin, Maya Kraner, and Eryka Brandenberger; eight great-grandchildren; his siblings, Danny (Donita) Mills and Deloris "Tootie" (Don) Patton; and a slew of relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard and Mary Mills; an infant son, Bradley Mills; and his brothers, James and Richard Mills. Friends and family are invited to attend Lavern's public calling on Monday, July 28th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 1:00 p.m. at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel, with calling one hour prior to the service. His burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park. As we say goodbye to our beloved Bud, we'll remember him not just as a great mechanic but as a wonderful person whose laughter and love will continue to echo in our hearts. Memorials may be directed to the family C/O Sheets & Childs Funeral Home. We encourage you to visit Lavern's memorial page, where you can leave your fond memories and upload photos of him. Let's remember Lavern not for his departure, but for the joy, laughter, and love he brought into our lives. Just as he kept our cars running smoothly, let's keep his memory alive in our hearts. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.