Darrel Leroy Mills

Darrel Leroy Mills, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on January 22, 2025. Darrel was born August 23, 1933 in Madelia, Minnesota, the youngest son of John Arthur and Mattie Clyde White Mills. Darrel’s siblings included sisters, Winifred Hoogland and Erma Bailey, and brothers, Robert, John (Art), Ralph, Warren (Curly), Joel (Joe) and Richard Mills.

While studying at Louisiana Tech, Darrel met his first wife, Ora Leland (Lee) Gibson (1933-2005). He graduated in 1956 with a degree in chemical engineering and a commission with the US Air Force. While serving as an officer in the Air Force, Darrel earned a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering and spent most of his military career working in the nuclear program. He was stationed in several locations during his service, including Salina KS, Dayton OH, Los Angeles CA and Baton Rouge LA. He retired from military service in 1977 as a Lt. Colonel and settled in Baton Rouge. After retirement he opened the local sports club, The Racquetballer. He also returned to college and earned two additional master’s degrees in business at Louisiana State University. Later he embarked on a second career as a Realtor and real estate broker.

Darrel and Lee had eight children, Randy, Stephen, Wana Lee, John, Sarah, Rebecca, Darrel, and Joseph. After the passing of his first wife, Darrel met and married Edith Ramsay of Utah. Darrel was a long-time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His greatest joy was serving in the Church and ministering to families. Darrel is survived by his wife, Edith, all eight of his children, and his fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA., on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 pm. Memorial service is at 1:00 pm and interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.