Frederick Earl Mills

Fred was born in Fostoria to Ruth L. and Dale D. Mills. Fred had a happy childhood, where he was raised with his two loving brothers John and Terry. As the youngest, he was the favorite grandchild of his caretaker Nana.

Fred attended Fostoria High school where he loved classes about Government, and played football briefly, before a collarbone injury ended his aspirations of playing for his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Fred graduated from Fostoria High School in 1965 and went on to attend THE Ohio State University. Soon after arriving at Ohio State, Fred joined the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau where he made some of his longest held and most cherished friends. Fred would go on to serve as President of the Phi Kappa Tau foundation from 1986 until 1997.

After graduating from Ohio State, Fred went on to study Law at Capital University, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1973. After law school, Fred went to work as deputy assistant for legislation for Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes. Governor Rhodes would later appoint Fred to be Superintendent of Banks. After that service, Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davison appointed Fred as Chief Majority Counsel and later as Chief of Staff for the Ohio House of Representatives.

After public service, Fred joined the law firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, where he would go on the become a Partner. Fred concluded his service at Vorys as leader of the legislative affairs division. After Vorys, Fred was appointed by the governor of Ohio as Vice Chair of the State Employment Relations board.

Fred's many civic and volunteer engagements included serving on the Ohio Constitution Modernization Commission, as a member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, was appointed by Governor Bob Taft to the Ohio Commodores, served on the Upper Arlington Civic Association, and was President of Lifecare Alliance's Board of Directors.

After his retirement, Fred moved with his wife Mary to Parrish, Florida. He loved being able to spend every day with his kids and grandkids, who felt they could just walk in and out “like they owned the place.” He also enjoyed cheering on the Buckeyes and Guardians.

Most of all, Fred cherished his “Bride,” whom he took the best care of and suffered endless games of Tiles and Rummy. His relationship with his son in law was a love unspoken. Fred lovingly referred to Devin as “Nummy”

Fred is survived by his loving Wife of 55 years Mary Mills ne. Romstadt of Toledo, Ohio, and his two children Erin Scribner (Devin) and Josh (Stephanie) Mills. He was most proud of all three of his grandchildren Avery and Noah Scribner and Thomas Mills.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Dale Mills, and brothers Terry and John Mills.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Columbus, Ohio at a date that is yet to be determined.