Lewis "Lew" T Mills
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Lewis T. Mills, 86, died Monday, December 14, 2020 in Topeka, KS. He was born August 30, 1934 in Hanover County, VA to L. Jefferson and Frances (Luck) Mills. He graduated from Montpelier High School in Montpelier, VA in 1952.
Lew joined the US Air Force and served most of his three and a half years as an aircraft mechanic at Forbes Air Force Base near Topeka.
He married Mary Lynn Tefft in Ottawa, KS in 1956. They were married for 47 years and had two sons. She preceded him in death in 2003.
Lew graduated from Washburn University in 1961 and completed his Masters degree at Emporia State in 1969. Lew then taught math at Jardine Junior High and Topeka High School. He was a life-time member of the National Education Association, and served on the NEA-Topeka executive board as a state and national delegate.
After retiring from teaching in 1993, he became a school volunteer, especially at McEachron Elementary where he and Lynn started a gift book program. Always an educator, Lew continued to teach, making sure children across the country received books of their own. He also volunteered with various organizations to help them stay accessible to those with disabilities. Lew and Lynn willed their bodies to the KU School of Medicine to assist medical students with their research.
Lew was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church since 1962, serving on many committees and teaching Sunday School classes. He served as a volunteer and was the Lowman Board Member at Doorstep, Inc. for many years.
He volunteered with the Boy Scouts, including Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 45, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 59 and Committee Chairman at Troop 70. He served as a Roundtable Commissioner and was a merit badge counselor for nearly 400 scouts over more than 30 years.
Lew was a regular blood donor and gave more than 30 gallons over a period of 40 years. He also served as a coordinator for the local Vision Support Group.
In 2004, Lew married Mary Baker. They spent 16 years together at Brewster Place in Topeka, continuing their volunteer work at Doorstep and other Topeka organizations. Mary preceded Lew in death in November 2020.
Lew was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother W.J. "Buddy" Mills, a sister-in-law Dr. Virginia J. Tefft and his son David L. Mills.
Lew is survived by his son Daniel L. Mills of Derby, KS, his wife Diane and family - Haley and Josh Marshall, Holly Mills and Heather Mills; daughter-in-law Tonya Mills of Topeka and family - Danielle and Matt Gapske and their son Benjamin, Korielynn and Travis Graham, their daughter Chloe and a son due in 2021; sister Jerelene Richards of Clemmons, N.C. and sister-in-law Carolyn Mills of Beaverdam VA. He is also survived by Mary Baker Mills' children Maurice W. Baker, Nancy Stuenkel, Rick Baker, Robb Baker, and their families.
A memorial service will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather. Lew will be buried at a private family service in Pomona, KS. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions go to Lowman UMC 4101 SW 15th St. Topeka KS 66604.