Edward L. “Bud” Mills
Of Arlington Heights

Col. Edward L. Mills “Bud”, USAF Retired. Born 17 May, 1919 in Oak Park, IL.
He was raised and went through his first year of high school in Rensselaer, IN. He and his parents then moved to Arlington Heights, IL, where he graduated from Arlington High School and then went on to Michigan State University where he received his reserve commission from the ROTC program. From there he was called directly to active duty in 1942. While attending MSU, he earned letters in track and cross-country being captain of the latter in his senior year and led the players to the first team win in an NCAA title for the university (1939).

Bud served three and a half years in the Africa-Middle East Theatre with the Air Transport Command. When returning home he joined the Air Force reserve unit at O’Hare IAP Chicago, IL. This was the 928th Tactical Airlift Group, which was used several times in different emergencies. Bud then retired with over 36 years of service.

He also owned and operated the Webber Paint Co. in Arlington Heights, IL for over 30 years. During this time, he was a national board member of the NDPA and president of the local office. Also, as member of the Chamber of Commerce, he held many offices, lastly the president in 1971. In addition, Bud was affiliated with the Boy Scouts, Historical Society, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights where he served on many boards as well as being a deacon.

He is survived by his children: Martha A. Mills (Patrick Papas), Charles A. Mills (Ladda), Robyn Eastman, Michael Mills (Gail), James Mills and Bette Nahas. “Bud” was also proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chad, Ryan, Melissa, Leesha, Dallas, Antonio and Piper Mills, Guy (Leisa), Charles (Beth) and Daniel (Caryn) Henry, Mindy Mills Maggio (Rocco) and their two children, Michael and Sara, Martin (Erin) Mills, Jesse Mills Avery (Zac) and their two children, Kali and Alexander, and Victoria and Jason Nahas. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Muriel A. Mills, his parents, Howard and Martha Mills, and a sister, Dorothy J. Childs

Visitation Friday, February 22, 2008 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, (4 blocks south of Palatine Road) Arlington Heights and Saturday, February 23, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights from 9:00 AM until time of funeral services at 9:30 AM. Interment Ft. Sheridan Post Cemetery, Ft. Sheridan, IL.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in his name.