John A. Mills

John A. Mills, age 87, of Wilmington, DE passed away on April 20, 2018 with his family at his side.

John was a graduate from Blairsville (PA) High School. John went to Oklahoma University where he received his Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Music Education. After graduation, he then joined the Air Force where he played in the band for four years. He started his teaching career in the Lord Baltimore School District, Ocean View, DE. He moved to Wilmington, DE and was a band director at Skyline and Stanton Middle Schools for 29 years. He retired in 1988.

John was a member of five bands: The Serenaders, Music Masters, Swing City and Steve Lewis and the Rhythm Doctors. He also played in two small assemblies, the Diamond State Quartet and the Limestone Clarinets. He was a lifelong member of two honorary fraternities, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi.  He was also a 60 year member of the Ionic Masonic Lodge, Delaware Consistory and the Nur Temple and Shriner Club of Delaware.

Along with his love and passion for music and playing his clarinet and saxophone, he enjoyed playing tennis, spending time at the beach and crossword puzzles.

The family would like to thank Delaware Hospice for the care of John during his illness.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mae; his son, Dr. Jay Mills of Indiana, PA, his daughters, MaryKay Mills and husband, Corey Bowen of Elkton, MD, Kimberly Renn and husband, Bryan of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, Pamela Sukeena and husband, Terry of Newark, DE,  Jennifer Wong and husband, Kin of Newark, DE and his grandchildren, Laura Smith, Travis Whiteside, Jaime Hilliard, Stephen Chance, Samantha Netta, Shawn Sukeena and Kyler Wong and 3 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Aaron Mills.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 27 at 11 am at the Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Rd. Wilmington, DE 19808 where friends may visit after 10:30 with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Limestone Presbyterian Church at the above address or to Delaware Hospice, Polly Drummond Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19711.

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