Howard Mills

Howard J. Mills, 82, of Knoxville, Maryland, passed suddenly from this life on Monday, May 28, 2012 at his home.

Born on January 20, 1930 in Washington County, Maryland, he was the son of the late James Howard and Altie Ellsworth (Downs) Mills.

Mr. Mills was formerly employed as a trim carpenter with Sanbower Builders in Frederick and Ausherman Builders In Hagerstown, Maryland.

Howard loved to fish and hunt in his earlier years.

He is survived by his former wife, Ruby (Grove) Mills of Frederick; four daughters, Kathryn McKenzie and Marlene Wiles and husband Charles of Frederick, Dawn Lucas of Smithsburg, Maryland, and Patricia Simmons of Brunswick, Maryland; two sons, Edward Mills and wife Darlene of Stuart, Virginia, and Michael Mills and wife Connie of Woolwine, Virginia; two sisters, Dorothy Fravel and Fay Virts-Fleming; two brothers, Ralph and Ortence Mills; twenty-one grandchildren; and 32 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews and his canine pal "Buddy."

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by two sisters, Rachel Gibbs and Patricia Mills; one brother, Paul Mills; one grandchild; and one great grandchild.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro.  Rev. R. Thomas Fralin, Jr. will officiate.  Final resting place ceremonies will follow at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bakersville, Maryland.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the funeral home.