Harry Vern Mills

Harry Vern Mills, 93, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at a Topeka retirement center. He was born on March 11, 1914 in Burrton, the son of Percy Harold Eugene and Doris Vansickle Mills. He graduated from Burrton High School in 1932 and attended Salt City Business College. He married Malinda Rose Hefling on July 14, 1936 in Haven, Kansas. He worked as a timekeeper for the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad for most of his career and was assigned to various locations in Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas. He had resided in Clovis, New Mexico, before moving to Topeka in 1971. He was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Survivors include: two sons, Kenneth Mills of Hemet, California, and John Mills of Hatfield, Pennsylvania; three daughters, Vernis Lewis of Gig Harbor, Washington, Betty Gazaway of San Diego, California, and Kirtsy Blevins of Topeka, Kansas; nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Merle Mills; and two sisters, Freda McBride and Morna Jordan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Malinda Rose, one grandson, Clifford Eugene Mills, and two brothers, Robert Maxwell Mills and Harold Vance Mills. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2007 at the Highland Park United Methodist Chapel. Private inurnment will take place in Burrton City Cemetery, Burrton, KS at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 S.E. Michigan Ave., Topeka, KS 66605. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is in charge of arrangements.