Bernard Eldon Mills.... Age 88

Visitation: 10-11 am Monday November 26, 2018 followed by
Service: 11 am Monday All at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
Burial: Fontana Cemetery
Memorials: Good Shepherds Hospice or Fontana Church of Christ
send c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430
Osawatomie, KS 66064

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Bernard Eldon Mills age 88 of Osawatomie, KS died Wednesday November 21, 2018 at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Osawatomie, KS.

Eldon was born April 22, 1930 in Miami County, KS. He was the youngest of four children born to William Ray & Bessie Meryl (Cooper) Mills. Eldon grew up in Fontana and graduated in 1948 from Osage Township High School in Fontana.

Eldon and Beverly June Detmering were united in marriage on August 7, 1949 in Paola, KS. They began their married life on a farm south west of Fontana and started their family. Together they had three daughters, Linda Lou, Kathleen Sue and Sharon Kay.

In 1954 the family moved to Osawatomie where Eldon owned and ran the Standard Oil Service Station. In 1958 they returned to farming life west of Fontana. After retiring from farming in the late 80's, Eldon earned a stock broker’s license and began working as a registered representative for NIS Financial Services Inc.

Eldon enjoyed gardening. He would plant a garden to share with his neighbors every year. Eldon was especially proud of his roses that he grew. He enjoyed fishing for catfish and woodworking. Eldon and Bev purchased a van that was referred to as the “Fan Van” because they would go to all of their grandchildren’s activities. The couple loved to travel to any location with mountains. Their favorite destination was the Rocky Mountains.

Eldon was a member of the Fontana Church of Christ and the Osawatomie Masonic Lodge # 24. He served on the Osawatomie Senior Citizen Board and also on the Prairie View School Board for 14 years. He was also a member of the National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bev of 68 years, his parents, sisters Nadine Sawyer and Helen Mills and brother Robert Mills.

Survivors include his three daughters Linda Mills of Omaha, NE, Kathleen (Jerry) Valentine of Fort Scott, KS, and Sharon (Dennis) Hurt of LaCygne, KS. Two grandchildren Melissa (Wes) Chambers, Rick (Jaci) Hurt, two step-granddaughters Lindsay (Chris) Krueger and Erin (Kyle) Youngs. Twelve great grandchildren, Ted, Sam & Emma Chambers, Cali, Tobi and Mike Hurt, Gabe, Nate and Everly Krueger and Kipton, Harper & Adeline Youngs. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends who will miss him dearly.