Cover photo for Kay Vern Mills's Obituary
Kay Vern Mills Profile Photo
1933 Kay 2019

Kay Vern Mills

March 25, 1933 — June 19, 2019

Kay Vern Mills, 86, a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed into eternity on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Kay was inspired by the importance of community, his spiritual beliefs, a strong sense of humor, and a dedication to family and friends. He will be remembered as one whom always reached out to others with a helping hand and an engaging conversation.

Kay was born in Spencer, Iowa on March 25, 1933, the son of Ross and Pearl Mills. Growing up on a farm in Northwest Iowa, he was a hard worker with a passionate connection to nature and farm life. Following graduation from Greenville High School in 1951, he continued his education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity from the Dubuque seminary in Dubuque Iowa.

On June 30, 1954 he married his beloved, Thelma. They had four children: LaDonna Mills Marsh (deceased), Faith Mills (deceased), Lyndon Mills (known as Nunpa), and Lanette Mills Taylor. Kay was a proud father and a devoted husband and lived to support his family. Thelma and Kay were married for 62 years prior to her death in 2015. He was a dedicated caregiver to Thelma in the last three years of her life in her experience of Alzheimers.

Kay loved the outdoors and spent countless hours working in his garden. Throughout his life, he was known to plant trees in every home he had lived. He also enjoyed woodworking and carving as he built most of the furniture in his home. Throughout his life he harvested, stored, and prepared lumber for his projects. His passion for nature, gardening, and woodworking was a wonderful inspiration for his talent and creative spirit in the work he did.

Following graduation from seminary, Kay became an ordained Presbyterian minister and served several congregations throughout his life. He and Thelma enjoyed the ministry as they consistently celebrated and selflessly gave to the communities they served. Kay clearly knew his purpose and demonstrated this with enthusiasm.

He is survived by his son Nunpa, daughter Lanette Taylor, son in love Bryan Taylor, and grandchildren Kristin Marsh Song, Shannon Marsh, Austin Marsh, Beth Taylor Houf, Lauren Taylor Carr, Renee Taylor, and Caleb Taylor and great grandchildren Keira and Brandt Song.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Kay was held at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Raymore on Saturday, July 27, 2019. A light reception followed the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to his son’s non-profit organization, AntFarm. Kay and Thelma were strong supporters of the youth work done by their son and this organization. Donations may be sent to Dickey Funeral Home, PO Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kay Vern Mills, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

St. Paul's United Methodist Church

1111 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, MO 64083

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