Alan E. Mills, a longtime Milford School District bus contractor and local farmer, passed away at the age of 68 on November 29. Born on August 10, 1957, he was the only child of L. Edgar and Betty Reynolds Mills.
Alan graduated from Milford High School in 1975 where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the school band. It was at the high school he met his sweetheart, Arenath, and they married in 1979.
Beginning his farming career with his father at a young age, Alan grew up loving the land and farming with his father who was also his best friend. Family recalls Edgar strapping him to the fender and telling Alan to “hold on.” Later, Alan farmed with his sons, Mark and Brett. A grower for Perdue for 37 years, he was a true farmer until he passed, never thinking of it s work, but as something he loved.
Given the gift of gab at birth, Alan never knew a stranger. He loved his family unconditionally and adored his grandson, Mateo.
In addition to farming, Alan operated Edgar Mills & Son Bus Service, driving and owning buses for Milford School District and Sussex Tech School District. He began driving at the age of 18 and was loved by the children he transported almost as much as he loved them.
A member of the Cedarfield Ruritan Club and the Sussex County Farm Bureau, Alan was president of the Milford Grain Company at the time of his death. He took that position very seriously and wanted it to succeed.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Arenath Tuttle Mills, his children, Mark Mills and Brett (Brenda) Mills; his grandson, Mateo; his aunts Janet Yerkes and Ruth Anne Willey. His loss will also be felt by his siblings-in-law, Lynne (Phil) Strassle, Gary (Penny) Tuttle and Dwayne (Michele) Tuttle; his nephews Kyle, Josh, Michael and Blake. Dennis Mills, his cousin who was more like a brother, also mourns his loss along with many other cousins.
“First and foremost, we would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love,” Arenath posted on social media. “Thank you for the calls, texts, cards, food, visits and prayers. Our family is extremely grateful. Please pray for my boys and I as we are devastated. He was definitely the rock of our family.”
There was an outpouring of shock and sadness from the community. Trisha Stevenson Davis commented that her family enjoyed Alan’s humor.
“I am so, so sorry,” Jennifer Parnell said. “I don’t know what to say, just such a shock. You both were the first bus drivers to wave and smile and be thankful for me. That meant the world to me! You are in my prayers! Love you dearly.”
Kathleen Stadler Parsons remembered Alan as being a “really nice guy” while Ethan Simpson recalled Alan as one of his favorite customers when he worked at Southern States, never remembering a time he came in the store without a smile.
“Allyn and I are so very sorry for your loss,” Michelle Havrilla Fenwick posted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mark and Brett. Alan had a wonderful sense of humor, humility and kindness. May his memory continue to be your strength and comfort.”
Karen Adams Penney called Alan a “great man, loved by so many.” Karen Guyer remembered Alan as a kind soul.
“Alan was a great guy, and that silly grin said it all,” Wanda Rash said. “Please know this whole community will miss him.”
Frank Reed remembered Alan from high school, stating he always enjoyed speaking to him about his Plymouth Duster and farming.
“Alan will always be remembered by me for the many school field trips he drove for my classes through the years, the high school football games when I coached cheerleading,” Pamella Davis Taylor said. “But, most importantly, I will always remember the many fun times when we were all in the Milford High School band with our band director Mr. Jerry Thompson and Drum Major Larry Bowe.”
Debra Hobbs recalled him driving through the Hardee’s drive thru and ordering a small Coke and 47 straws. Brian Willey stated that Alan was always so full of cheer and laughter at family get togethers.
“Alan is a true pillar of the community he served,” Pastor Calvin Glock said. “When most people say “school bus driver? I couldn’t do that!” Alan did it for 50 years and his family follows for the third generation as well as feeding us with his family’s farms. I’ve even heard tell that he and his buddies were quite the practical jokers in their time. There may have been a time when Alan ran for office, even if he didn’t know he was running, where he boasted some of the most interesting of issues on “his” homemade campaign signs. That was a very funny story. Alan is truly a man to emulate and I, my family, and those I’m honored to represent, RJK Transportation and Bible Believers Community Church, give our honored condolences and dearest sympathies to Alan’s family and loved ones.”
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 1 PM at Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 Northwest Front Street, Milford. A time of visitation will precede the funeral from 11 AM to 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Alan’s memory to Sussex County Farm Bureau, 3457 South Dupont Highway, Camden DE 19934.
