Obituary

Jon “Gary” Mills passed away on June 25, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 87.

Gary was born on September 5, 1938, in Roanoke, Virginia, the youngest of five children born to L.V. and Ola B. Mills. From an early age, he developed a fascination with aviation that became a lifelong passion. At just 17 years old, he earned his private pilot’s license in 1955, beginning a love of flying that would shape much of his life’s journey.

Gary graduated from Jefferson Senior High School and later attended Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1961. Following graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, accepting a commission as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in February 1961.

During his military career, Gary served honorably in Vietnam with the 309th Air Commando Squadron, demonstrating exceptional courage, skill, and dedication. His distinguished service earned numerous military decorations, including the Air Medal with First and Second Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank of Captain.

After leaving active military service, Gary began a career in private industry. While testing emerging flight technologies at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during the winter of 1968, he met the love of his life, Earlene K. (Weidner) Mills. Their connection was immediate, and they were married on May 11, 1968, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly six decades.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the proud father of four sons: Jon Gary Mills and Christopher Scott Mills from his earlier marriage to Marrianne Mills, and Jon Carlton Mills and Brian Douglas Mills with his beloved wife, Earlene. Family was at the center of Gary’s life, and he devoted his retirement years to caring for those he loved most—his wife, sons, extended family, faithful dogs, and the many friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Gary was known for his quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, sharp intellect, dry wit, and generous spirit. His legacy lives on through his family, his distinguished military service, and the countless lives he influenced through his kindness, dedication, and example. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Earlene Mills; his parents, L.V. and Ola B. Mills; and his siblings.

He is survived by his four sons, Jon Gary Mills, Christopher Scott Mills, Jon Carlton Mills, and Brian Douglas Mills; his daughter-in-law, Anna; his grandchildren, Shadow Wolf, Jamie Marie, and Jon Wesley; his great-grandchildren, Teagan, Maddox, and Sky; and many extended family members and dear friends.

“Blue skies and tailwinds, Captain Mills. CAVU. Your final flight is complete, but your legacy will forever soar in the hearts of those who loved you.”