Cletus R. Mills

Cletus was widely known, loved and respected by all. He had this ‘larger than life presence” in both stature and personality. His love of God, country and family was always present.

He was a member of the Bible Center Cathedral for over 50 years.

Cletus served in the Navy during the Korean War, entering when he was 17 years old.

He worked for Pepsi Cola for 26 years and then he was employed with Black Beauty Coal Company Family for 20 years.

Cletus was an avid hunter, traveling around the world. His hunting travels covered the globe taking him to Africa, Alaska and Europe. His best hunting pal (Dr. Bill Adye) always accompanied him on these adventures along with his children, grandchildren, son-in-law and daughter-in-law.

He was also a great horse enthusiast. His love and passion for the horses and competitions made a huge impact on the American Saddlebred and Quarter Horse breeds. These two interests were always shared with family – family was everything to him.

Cletus had compassion and care for others that was unmatched. He was always the first to help – never asking of much for himself. His smile and sense of humor will be remembered by all.

He enjoyed almost a half century love affair with his wife Betty J. (Turpen) Mills. They were inseparable – holding hands whenever together. He was preceded in death by

his first wife, Betty Turpen, brother, Charles Mills; sisters, Margaret Groppenbacher, Sue Malsch, and Rosa Mae Horton.

Cletus is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Mills; son, Steven E. Chancellor; daughters, Carolyn Kimbrel, Debra Mills, Sherry Hagan, and Kathy Brown; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and sister, Martha Johnston.

Cletus was blessed to find “Pat” in his later years. She cared for him and made his life complete—he was a lucky man. However, we were the lucky ones to have known him! He taught us much and was truly an example of what every man should aspire to be. He was a true American hero—he was Indiana’s “John Wayne.”

Services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, January 6, 2012 at Bible Center Cathedral with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Pastor Alan Shelby will officiate with burial at Park Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday from 11:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Horses Against Hunger, P.O. Box 5669, Evansville, IN 47716.