Bill Mills

Meredith H. "Bill", son of Albert Howard and Marion (Widdifield) Mills, was born February 10, 1943, in Washington, Iowa. He grew up in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1961. In 1966, he earned his bachelor's degree in teaching from the University of Northern Iowa where he met Pat.

On August 2, 1964, Bill was united in marriage with Patricia Ann O'Connor in Webster City. The couple first took teaching jobs in Plainfield where they remained until 1979. Bill then took a position at Manning High School in Manning and taught Business Ed and Drivers Ed until his retirement in 1997.

Bill was a member of the United Methodist Church in Manning, and the Odd Fellows when he lived in Washington. He thoroughly enjoyed buckskinning with the Cherokee Ridge Runners. To his buckskinning friends, he was known as the "Camp Vagrant." Bill also enjoyed attending their rendezvous, working on guns, collecting knives, and shooting with his family. He was an avid reader with an extensive library.

After many years of heart problems, Bill passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021, at his home in Manning, Iowa. He was 78 years, 8 months and 26 days of age.

Bill is survived by his wife Patricia Mills of Manning; a daughter Karol Dammann (Brad Otto) of Manning; a son Scott (Carrie) Mills of Des Moines; grandchildren: Kayla Dammann (Jerad Florian), Alex Dammann, Cole Mills, Morgan Mills, Jessica Mills, Colton Otto and Keaton Otto; great-grandchildren: Jadyn Weitl and Lane Florian; a sister Joy Ann (Jim) Bennett of Washington; a brother-in-law Duane (Esther) O'Connor of Rogers, Arkansas; two nieces Kelly (Rob) Chalfant and Melissa (Chris) Keller; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip Mills.

The visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at the Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Manning. Interment with the Buckskinner Salute will be held in the Manning Cemetery.