Albert Lamar Mills

Albert L. Mills passed from this life on Friday, March 13, 2015, at the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care in Hoxie, Kansas, at the age of 87. He was born April 3, 1927, near Studley, KS, to Paul and Ruth (Mowry) Mills. The oldest of four children, Albert grew up on the family farm, milking cows and doing chores, until he entered the United States Navy in 1945. He served in the Pacific. Albert attended Bow Creek School for the first eight years of his education. He attended High School in Hoxie and graduated with the class of 1945. On June 1, 1947 he was united in marriage to Florence “Nadine” Arnold at the home of Nadine’s parents. To this union, two daughters, Kathy and Kay were born. Albert attended The Silver City, New Mexico Technical College for two years and received a certificate of completion. He apprenticed under A.C. Arnold, an engineer, for two years. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he worked for A.C. Arnold, who owned Arnold Electric. He worked as a mechanic, welder, and machinist. Later he and Nadine became owners of Arnold Electric. As an inventor and the quintessential “tinkerer” he always enjoyed photography, painting, woodworking, and building or fixing things. He helped develop the Tri-Flex equipment. Albert devoted his life to serving God, family, and neighbors. He studied and observed the weather, served as Fire Chief, was a 4-H leader, and member of the American Legion and Church of Christ. A deeply spiritual man, he served as an Elder in the church and was a Godly example of patience, love, and faith to his family, friends, and community. Survivors include his wife Florence “Nadine” of Hoxie; daughters, Kathy Patterson and husband David of Hoxie and Kay Splattstoesser and husband, Gary of Colby, KS; brothers, Norman Mills of Hoxie and Lloyd Mills and wife Veryl of Enid, Oklahoma; sister, Lorraine Coulter of Hoxie; eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Ruth (Mowry) Mills and brother-in-law, Edwin Coulter. Whether taking pictures, chasing kids around the house with the vacuum cleaner, or just taking time to enjoy life with family, friends, and neighbors, Albert was a hardworking man who always gave of himself to help others. Although he will be greatly missed, because of the life Albert lived, we are encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul who said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Reception: Hoxie Church of Christ