William B. Mills Sr. passed away on December 9, 2023 at his home in Arvada in the care of his family. Bill was born March 29, 1931 to John J. Mills and Rachel Griffin Mills in Denver. Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother John J. Mills. He survived his first wife Alice (Martin) Mills and his second wife Evelyn (Nevil) Mills.
Bill served in the Navy during the Korean War. He served as a Radioman on the U.S.S. Radford DD-446 and later on the U.S.S. Vammen DE-644.
Bill was a Colorado Department of Highways employee for 36 years. He was a Professional Land Surveyor and a Project Engineer for projects all over the state including Idaho Springs, Frisco, Breckenridge, Telluride, Pueblo and Kit Carson and the greater Denver area. After retirement, he worked at Range Engineering for 10 years.
Bill loved everything about Colorado. To honor this, the men and boys close to him will be wearing Colorado lapel pins. He skied in his younger years. He frequently went fishing with family and friends. He took many photos in the mountains and, as a gifted painter he painted from the photos. Although he was too humble to sell his art, he shared his work with family.
He was active in his churches over the years. He was generous and contributed to over 20 organizations he felt passionate about.
He felt empathy toward the treatment of the American Indians. He also loved birds and enjoyed them in his yard and painted them. To honor this, the women and girls who were close to him will be wearing jewelry in the shape of feathers carved from bison bone and painted in the likeness of various birds.
He himself didn’t attend college, but he encouraged his three children in their quest for higher education. Bill traveled around the country, never missing a wedding, graduation or baptism for his family.
He will be greatly missed as he touched so many lives in his journey through life. He was patient, thoughtful, and kind. He put others first before his own needs. He was a role model for his family—a gift and blessing to all.
He is survived by his brother Lee L. Mills (Carol); his son William B. Mills Jr. (Maria); daughter Deanne L. Skovgaard; and daughter Pamela Cunningham (Chuck). Five grandchildren—Kierstin M. Thompson (Matt); Sheldon L. Skovgaard (Joanna); Abbie R. Ashcraft (Gary); Casey L. Cunningham (Nicole), and Cody L. Cunningham (Katie). Maria’s children Rocky Valdez (Amy), Raquel Valdez (Christopher), Brittany Creehan (Matt), and Brandon Castillo (Michelle). His life was blessed even more by eleven great grandchildren—Ethan L., Dane W., Lillian M., Owen T., and Annabelle L. Skovgaard; Garrett A. and Grant B. Ashcraft; Alexis M. and Liam M. Thompson; and, Cade L. and Chance B. Cunningham.
