Denver Mills
Denver Mills, 94, of Dillsboro passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Mercy West Hospital. He was born Friday, July 24, 1925 in Barbourville, Kentucky, the son of Robert and Sudie (Smith) Mills. He married Viola Broughton May 9, 1944. All preceded him in death.
Survivors include daughter Charlene (Jerry) Olson of Kokomo; daughter Maxine (Ron) Gall of Cincinnati; grandchildren Christi (Jason) Hill of Carmel; Kim Karesh of Nashville; Kelly (Ryan) Posey of Cincinnati; Sarah Mills of Dillsboro; Tyler (Jess) Mills of Carmel; great grandchildren Eliana Hill and Josiah Hill of Carmel; Calla Posey of Cincinnati; daughter-in-law Connie Mills of Dillsboro; several nephews and nieces; numerous relatives and friends. Mr. Mills is also preceded in death by a son Dennis Mills in 1995; a son Covell Mills in 2016; a grandson Jeffrey Kersey in 1994; brothers Walter, Clarance, Lloyd, Matt, and Grover Mills; sisters Ethel Broughton, Axie Elam, Ester Mills and Emma Jones.
Denver enjoyed hunting and fishing and told many bear stories to his grandchildren. He loved teasing people and told countless “clean” jokes to make people laugh. He never missed a chance to debate politics and tried to solve the world’s problems talking with friends at the Reservation’s “liars table”.
He came from humble beginnings but found the road to success. He was a farmer at heart and greatly enjoyed dealing in real estate and land development. His motto was “buy big but sell small”. He believed fewer people could buy a large farm, but many people could afford a few acres. He provided both land and financing to many people in our community so they could own property and build a home for their families.
Denver wanted everyone to know that he greatly enjoyed his life. When he was a young boy, his grandfather told him “he would never be broke by making a profit”. That instilled in him a strong work ethic and a great drive to achieve.
While there’s never a good time to die, Denver believed that he was born at a “good time in history”. His family meant the world to him and the legacy he created in them will continue in their lives. They take comfort in knowing that his long life was one well lived and well loved.
A service celebrating his life was held Saturday, January 18, at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home in Milan with Pastor Ronnie Wolfe officiating. Burial followed in New Craven Cemetery. Memorials may be given in honor of Denver to Craven Cemetery. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. You may go to www.lawscarrmoore.com to leave an online condolence message for the family.
