David Lee Mills Sr.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17th at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, MO. The visitation will be held at 9:00am followed by a funeral service at 10:00am. Burial to follow in Floral Hills Cemetery.

Born on September 30, 1929 in Kansas City, KS, David was the beloved and eldest son of Sam and Irene Mills. He often spoke of his deep love and respect for his parents, and gratitude for the happy childhood they provided.

Upon graduating from Ward High School in 1948, he worked at Chase Bag Company where he maintained the printing presses and other mechanical equipment. It is there that he met the love of his life, Shirley Kalinka. They married 6 months later and shared a life for 59 years until Shirley’s passing in 2009. Their union brought one son, David Jr. and two daughters, Linda and Kim.

David took great pride and satisfaction in being a 38 year employee of Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF). As a Mechanical Equipment Foreman, he supervised a 40 person crew in the repair and preventative maintenance of diesel locomotives and all types of mechanical platforms. After retiring from Santa Fe in 1989, the bond he made with many of his former employees and coworkers continued throughout the years.

After moving to John Knox Village (a retirement community) in his later years, he immersed himself in the life of that community. He enjoyed bible studies, prayer groups, musical performances, dances, and bingo. He held the positions of both Treasurer and President of his building and very importantly, he developed deep, meaningful friendships.

David was a man of strong faith who loved his Lord and Savior with his whole heart. He believed in and lived the “Golden Rule” and was a prayer warrior. There are many adjectives that describe David…loving husband, father and grandfather, humble, kind-hearted, generous, patient, caring, and non-judgmental. He also possessed a quiet strength and gentle spirit. His accepting and understanding nature led him to lift others up and always see the good in others. Although a quiet man, he would often surprise people with his rapid-fire wit.

His first loves were God and his family, followed by music, all sports, trains, cars, and enjoyed listening to true faith stories on his tablet.

David was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Irene, wife Shirley, son David Jr., sister Corrine Smith, and brother Leo Mills. He is survived by his daughters Linda Williams (Roger) of Orlando, FL, Kim Mills (Malorie Young) of Gardner, KS, brothers John Mills (Marilyn) of Overland Park, KS, and Sam Mills of Milan, MI, 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

David’s life touched countless people, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization close to his heart.