Cornelius Charles Mills

Cornelius (Con) Charles Mills died 18 June 2020, at Sunrise Assisted Living Facility in Metairie, La. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Louise, and his four children: Nancy Cowan Gennusa (Metairie, La), Cornelius (Chuck) Charles Mills Jr. (Overland Park, Ks), Sandy Rhea Dirks (Hutchinson, Ks), and Bradley Lewis Mills (Bellaire, TX). He leaves behind nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Born on 28 December 1925, Con led a long, full, and rewarding life. He was devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his descendants, and by all who were touched by this wise, dignified man.

He met the love of his life, Ruby, when they attended Joplin, Mo. High School together.

Con served his country honorably in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War Two. He and Ruby were wed on 4 July 1946 shortly after his return from India.

Con studied business and accounting at the University of Missouri. Like many returning vets pursuing higher education, the couple moved into a trailer on campus.

Con graduated from Mizzou’s School of Business and Administration on Sunday, 30 January 1949. He worked for Firestone Tire, then the IRS in Kansas City, and next as an independent tax preparer.

Con joined the accounting firm of Ernst and Ernst (Ernst and Young, today). He achieved his goal to become a Certified Public Accountant in 1958 with his accreditation by the state of Kansas and by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

In 1959 he moved to New Orleans, eventually managing Ernst and Ernst’s tax department. Con was made a partner on 1 October 1970.

Con loved to travel, and he and Ruby toured all over the world. He loved golf and fishing and crabbing the bayous around Lake Pontchartrain. Everyone who knew the couple was impressed by the tender regard Con showered upon Ruby. He was her stalwart protector, her knight in shining armor, and her most devoted companion. After retirement on 30 September 1984, Con enjoyed working with AARP preparing tax returns for retirees and training others to do the same.

There is no greater honor in life than to love and to be loved. Throughout his life, Con honored each of us with his unconditional love, today and forever more, we honor him.

Due to the current circumstances, services will be held at a later date when family and friends can safely gather.

The family invites you to express your fond thoughts, memories and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.