Lucius George Mills, 89, of Raytown, MO, had the privilege of saying goodbye to many loved ones before he died peacefully at home on July 8, 2016.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 pm at Oakwood Baptist Church 7600 Lee’s Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64139. George was born May 5, 1927 in Tampa, Florida to Lucius Asa and Margaret Pauline Bateman Mills, both deceased. He was the oldest of four siblings, who adored their big brother, all previously deceased: Olive Madison FL, Mary Robinson AZ, and Dick Mills MO. George was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Roberts Mills in 2006 with Alzheimer’s Disease, and his son, David Linn Mills in 2012. He leaves behind his devoted daughter Pat Mills Borland (Brice) of Raytown; Grandchildren: Laurie Kempker of Columbia; Sheri Ibarra (Manuel) of Raytown, Nicole, Justin and David Tadashi Mills of California; Great Grandchildren: Paige Kempker, Alexandra and Christian Mederos, brother-in-law Farrell Roberts, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Oakwood Baptist Church 7600 Lee’s Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64139 or the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter 3846 W 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66208.
During WW II his carpenter dad worked on WPA projects building military facilities in Oklahoma City, California, Rock Island, and Kansas City. Within 3-years, George attended 7 high schools. He loved sports and managed to join varsity squad basketball, baseball and track teams. He lettered in basketball and track at NE High School. Scholastically, his interests were drafting and mathematics.
He joined the Navy in 1945 as a member of the Seabees (Construction Battalion). His ship US General Mitchell was in the Okinawa Sea when a strong typhoon hit and many ships sank. They docked at Sasebo, Japan joining units from the battle of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He saw USAF damage, and Nagasaki where the second atomic bomb was dropped. He was discharged as a Naval Reserve in 1946. He had a surprise meeting with President Truman walking downtown – secret service men trailing–who thanked George for his service. He was called back into active duty in 1951 during the Korea Conflict.
He attended KC Junior College and University of California, an Internship in Architecture at Los Alamos, New Mexico University. George drove home for Christmas break, and met the love of his life on a blind date. The first date was rocky, but George and Ginny married 6 months later on June 5, 1949. He served 3 churches over a 15-year period as Music Director, accompanied by his wife as pianist/organist, and also traveled with evangelists. Residences were KC, Independence, Lake Lotawana, Overland Park, and Raytown.
As a registered Architect, he worked for Black & Veatch/Assistant to Chief Architect for military projects, A&P Food Stores/Chief Architect, L.G. Mills Architect and Associates, Inc., Gamble Co. Inc. Architects/Director of Architecture and Marketing (military projects for Whiteman AFB), Guenther-Mills Architects, and Guenther/Mills/Keating Architects, Inc.
George’s mother was a big influence with her faith in God, and saw that her children stayed in church, which they all did during their lives. In 1950, at a revival crusade, George surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as his Savior and acknowledged his Savior was the guiding force throughout his life. He knew his relationship with God had been the catalyst in all of the things he had done and accomplished.
George mentioned many times that he was indebted to his Christian friends, family and pastors for upholding him in prayer. He will be remembered for his smile, and friendly personality.
Awards: Outstanding Leadership Recognition Award for economic development by Governor Kit Bond for State of MO; Received Resolution of Commendation for Service to the City by Mayor and Board of Alderman as President-Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce; Distinguished Service award by National President of the American Heart Association as Member of the Missouri Heart Association and Executive Board
Community involvement: President-Society of Registered Architects for State of Missouri; Co-founder and first Chairman of Board of Directors of Jackson County, MO coalition of Chambers of Commerce, which involved all nine Chambers of Commerce in Jackson County, to promote economic development; Director- Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Commission; special task force for economic development City of Independence; Board of Kansas City West Central MO American Heart Association (only Chairman to ever serve three terms, at that time); Chairman-Board of Adjustments for City of Lake Lotawana
