Douglas Mills

July 02, 1941 - October 10, 2021

Douglas Rex Mills, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed on Sunday, October 10, 2021.  Doug lived a full life of 80 wonderful years. He enjoyed traveling and frequent gatherings with family and friends.  In addition, Doug was an accomplished musician and drummer, playing in the 1960s band, The Electrons.

Douglas was born on July 2, 1941 in Tiffin, Ohio to John Cebrum and Leola Marie (Followay) Mills.  Doug attended Ohio State University, transferring to the prestigious General Electric Apprentice School. In addition, Doug graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University Fort Wayne, successfully lobbying the university to award college credit for the rigorous General Electric Apprenticeship Program.

Doug went on to work for General Electric for many years, followed by a tenure at Magnavox in which he held the title of Vice President of Manufacturing.  In this role, he designed the layout of a Columbia City Magnavox manufacturing plant, ordering and setting up all equipment for a government weapons contract.  Doug's other career moves included working at Acculite Corporation in Winchester, Virginia and Zarn Blow Molding Company in Reidsville, North Carolina where he was responsible for training employees, leasing the building, and purchasing all equipment. Toward the end of his career, Douglas retired from Fort Wayne Wire Die in 2012, going on to serve on the supervisory board of Midwest America Federal Credit Union for the last 15 years, serving as president and then vice president of the Oakborough Neighborhood Association for more than 20 years, and serving for a number of years as president of the GE Apprentice School Alumni Association as well.

Doug is survived by his wife Lou Ann Elizabeth (Meyer) Mills, as well as his sons John Mills (wife Holly), Mike Mills (wife Wendy), Steve Stone, and Christopher Oldfield (wife Angie), in addition to his two step-children Jason Foust and Joy Oetting.  Moreover, Douglas leaves behind a legacy of 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, along with several dear family members from West Virginia and Ohio.  

There will be a showing Friday, October 15th at Covington Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm.  The funeral service will be immediately following at 1:30 pm, followed by a few words at the gravesite at 2:30 pm.  If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Covington Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN  46804.  If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at this link: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/DouglasMills