Daniel Eugene Mills

October 17, 1962 - September 12, 2026

Daniel Eugene Mills, age 63, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Spokane, Washington. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine McAllister; his father, James Mills; his brother, Tracy Godwin; and his sister, LaVel Chamberlain.

To those who knew and loved him, Dan was simply Dan-O—a devoted father and grandfather, a loyal brother, a hard worker, and a lifelong sports fan whose love of baseball and football was woven throughout his life. As family and friends remember the time they shared with him, they also celebrate the many qualities that made him who he was.

Dan grew up in a large family with a deep love of baseball. His talent, focus, and determination soon made him a standout pitcher at East Valley High School. The qualities that shaped him on the baseball field—discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to doing things well—followed him throughout his life. In Spokane, he built his first career as a Master Volkswagen Automotive Specialist, known for knowing his way around a car and doing the job right. Later, he moved into a new line of work that took him to Portland, Oregon, where he finished his career as a Head Mining Electrician. Whether on the ballfield or at work, Dan approached everything he did with dedication, pride, and a quiet determination to be his very best.

Dan was a true DIY enthusiast, always with a project underway and a genuine curiosity about how things worked. He had a natural talent for all things mechanical and an instinctive ability to diagnose a problem, take it apart, figure it out, and put it back together better than he found it. Whether he was rebuilding an engine, troubleshooting an electrical issue, repairing a machine, or creating something from the ground up, Dan approached every challenge with patience, precision, and the confidence of a true craftsman. There was little he couldn’t fix, and if he didn’t know how something worked, he was determined to find out.

That same natural curiosity that drove him to understand how things worked also fueled his adventurous spirit, leading him far beyond home on memorable road trips across the country and into Mexico. He embraced every opportunity for adventure—from the thrill of amusement parks, swimming with dolphins, to hiking through coastal rainforests, boating on local rivers and lakes, and, of course, back in the day, carving his way down the slopes of Mt. Spokane. Dan had a wonderful zest for life and a natural curiosity about the world around him, always ready to explore, experience something new, or simply see where the road might lead.

Dan’s greatest legacy and most fulfilling role in life has been and always will be his role as father and grandfather. He had unlimited love and devotion to his daughter, Danielle Eliza, and his grandson, Noah Daniel, both named after his namesake. They are the light of his life and the source of his greatest joy. He cherished every moment with them and took immense pride in watching them grow, always offering his unwavering love, guidance, encouragement, and support. His devotion was steadfast and unconditional, and the love he gave so freely will remain a lasting part of their lives. The bond they shared was truly extraordinary—one that transcended words and will endure forever in the hearts of those he loved most.

Recently retired, Dan was looking forward to becoming a snowbird, attending baseball games, spending more time with family, and enjoying the next chapter of life. Sadly, that chapter was far too short, and a life that held so much promise and so many plans came to an end far too soon. Yet the life Dan lived was rich with love, laughter, adventure, and memories that will remain with those who knew and loved him. His family will carry forward his stories, his talents, his laughter, and the countless meaningful moments they shared together, holding them close as a lasting reminder of the man he was and the love he gave so freely.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Eliza Mills (Red Dorrance); his grandson, Noah Daniel; his brothers, Levi (Heidi) Skeen and Bill (Vickie) Mills; three nieces (Bri, Chelsey, Gwendolyn); seven nephews (Cody, Colby, Dylan, Wyatt, Zane, Ashton, Carson); and extended family and friends who loved him.

Daniel Eugene Mills leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, hard work, curiosity, and adventure, but above all, a life defined by the people he loved and the lives he touched. Though his time with them was far too short, his love will remain—a lasting presence in the hearts of his family and friends, and a part of them that will never be lost. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

A celebration of life will be held later in 2027, with details to be shared at a later date.