Darrell Lee Mills, 78, of Portland, Texas passed away surrounded by family at his home on January 25, 2021. He was born on April 5, 1942 in Muscatine, Iowa and spent his early childhood on a farm in rural Atalissa, Iowa.
During high school he worked at his family’s restaurant Twin Gables in West Liberty. He was a popular and active athlete, with letters in baseball, basketball, football, and track. Upon graduating West Liberty High School in 1960, he immediately signed up to join the Army.
He was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana where he met his future wife, Julianne Granger. With the blessing of the Granger family, he became an honorary Cajun.
Darrell was a proud veteran who served his country in Vietnam and the Gulf War. He remained active with the National Guard until he retired. He spent most of his working years in the oil and gas business.
He was preceded in death by his father Milburn Mills, his mother Vivian Wonderlich, his brother Gaylord Mills, brother-in-law Paul Freyermuth, brother-in-law Ronnie Denette, and three nephews.
Darrell is survived by his wife Julianne Granger Mills, his daughters Cynthia Henderson (Dallas, TX) and Amy Mills (Scott, LA), his granddaughter Meghan Leathem, grandson Spencer Henderson (Daisy), and great-granddaughter Bonnie Henderson.
He is also survived by his brothers Sid Mills (Pam), Van Mills (Diane), his sisters Beverly Freyermuth (Paul, dec.), Cassandra Allan (Wendall), Christine Schlabach (Duane), sister-in-law Deb Mills (Gaylord, dec.), brother-in-law and best friend Steve Granger (Debbie), sister-in-law Jessica Denette (Ronnie, dec.), sister-in-law Kay Fontenot (Keith), and 35 nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Sid Mills, Steve Granger, Ashley Mills, Tara Mills Dumolien, Mark Denette, and Blake Denette. Honorary pallbearers: Spencer Henderson and Ivan Mills.
He will be laid to rest in Basile, Louisiana on Friday, January 29 following services at St. Augustine Church and a graveside military honors ceremony.
Memorial contributions in Darrell’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, or the American Parkinson Disease Association.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, 337-457-3371 is in charge of arrangements.