John Henry Mills

John Henry Mills, 86, of Casper, WY passed away surrounded by his family on July 22, 2025.

John was born May 19, 1939 in Rushville, Nebraska, to John Asa Mills and Gladys Lizzetty Hallsted. He had three siblings: Opal Lavange Mills, Deloris Jean Mills Clutter (Albert), and Nyle David Mills (Mary).

John lived his childhood life in Nebraska, moved to Colorado in his early adult years, and finally moved with his wife and four children to Casper, Wyoming in 1976, where he lived the rest of his life.

He attended Assumption Academy Grade School in Chadron, NE, and was proud to Graduate with his GED in May, 2007. He received the GED Student of the Year award in 2007.

He served in the U.S. Navy from August, 1961- August 1965, attaining the rank of FN (E-3). On his DD-214 he was described as a reliable and very good check man. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

He worked in his early life on dairy farms, and at different times owned both a Backhoe/Excavation business and his own Semi Trucks. After moving to Casper, he first worked for Rissler & McMurry, but found his lifetime career when he started driving truck for Black Hills Trucking (True Oil Co.). He retired from Black Hills after 25 years.

John married Carol Delores Brooks October 19, 1967 (divorced in October, 1979). They had four children: Tina Maria Clark (Timothy), Julie Lynn Carpenter (Scott), Wanda May Crabtree, and Timothy Allen Mills.

He also had another son, Jimmy Pearson (Debbie).

At the time of his passing, he had ten grandchildren:

Austin Haman, Amanda "Mandah" Kemp, Braden Carpenter (Chrissy), Morgan Gall, Savannah Molloy Carter (McKay), Gage Carpenter, Noah Molloy, Thomas Mills, Amber Carpenter, and Zuriel Crabtree.

He also had six great grandchildren: LeLainna, Adrian, Braysin, Nova, Maven, and Neil.

As well as Leila Pearson Miller (Michael) and Teila Pearson and their children.

John was predeceased by his parents, both of his sisters, the mother of his children, his son Jimmy Pearson, and his grandson Thomas Mills.

John was a devoted family man. He deeply loved all his family. He was very hard-working and a good provider; he was often generous to those in need. He loved the open road- spending a lot of time traveling to see this beautiful country and to attend family functions. He held high standards for himself and for those around him. He did not give compliments easily, but when he did, you knew he really meant it, and it made you feel proud.

He was very playful and enjoyed making jokes and teasing his loved ones. When he called on the phone, he nearly always claimed he was in “Chicagie” (Chicago), no matter where he was. When passing by a mirror, he would often brush his hand over his hair, smile brightly and say, “Damn, John. You’re getting better looking every day!”

He enjoyed playing pool and slots.

He was a devout Catholic.

To share a memory of John or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.