William Bertrum "Bill" Mills

William "Bill" Bertrum Mills, age 86, of Delaware, Ohio passed away Saturday evening, February 21, 2026, at the Claremont Retirement Village in Columbus.

William was born on June 19, 1939, in Westerville, Ohio to the late Leo Mills and Alice (Pflueger) Mills.

Following graduation from Westerville High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. Bill served in the Navy during the Vietnam war era, from 1958 to 1962.

Bill married the love of his life Linda Jean (Steck) Mills on June 24, 1979. Together the two enjoyed 30 years of marriage together, before Linda's passing in 2009. Bill and Linda had so much love and care for each other. When Linda began to decline in health before her passing, Bill dropped everything to care for her and bring her comfort.

Bill lived a life of service, wearing many different hats over the years. Following his time in the military, Bill worked as an officer for the Otterbein Police Department. Then he worked for the Westerville Fire Department as one of the first attendants on their "emergency squad". Afterwards, Bill was a Delaware County Deputy. Bill then went to EMT school and was trained to do both police work and be able to perform EMT work at the same time.

In addition to all his jobs, Bill also volunteered his time at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course as a volunteer firefighter. Proud of his military service, Bill volunteered much of his time to perform military honors for departed veterans as a member of his local military honor guard.

In his spare time, Bill enjoyed telling stories to his family, listening to his police scanners, and going to the AMVETS where he served in several offices including Post Commander. Bill also had a passion for Ohio sports, supporting the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and several NASCAR drivers.

Bill was proud of many things in his life. He was proud of his country and the service that he was able to provide for it. He was proud of his time volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and the drivers he was able to meet. Most of all, however, Bill was so proud of his family. His family was his favorite thing in this world to brag about.

Bill was a hardworking and reliable man who loved to joke around with his family and friends. He will be forever missed.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 30 years Linda Jean (Steck) Mills and his brother Jim Mills.

William "Bill" Bertrum Mills is survived by his son Charles "Charlie" (Amanda) Mills; daughters Denise Kendrick and Pamela "Pam" Burden; sister Suzanne Severance; grandchildren Trevor Burden, Joshua Lang, Abigail "Abby" Burden, Jarrett Kendrick, Breanna Chatman, Ashleigh (Dan) Rowe, Brittany Mills, and Ophelia Hill; great-grandchild Sy'Meir Daniels; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at the Snyder Rodman Funeral Center in Delaware on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 12 pm - 2 pm. Following the calling hours a funeral ceremony will be held at 2 pm at Snyder Rodman Funeral Center. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Delaware.

The Snyder Funeral Homes - Delaware Chapel is honored to serve the Mills family in their time of need.