Ben F. Mills

Ben Mills, age 97 of New Lebanon, Ohio died at the VA Community Living Center on Saturday, August 17,2019. Born April 18, 1922 in Scalf, KY, he was a son of the late Sollie and Mealie (Mattingly) Mills. On November 18, 1942, at the age of 20, he was inducted into the US Army. A decorated veteran of WW II, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Private First Class in Company B of the 325th Glider Infantry. He earned the Marksman Cal. 30 Badge, the Glider Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He served in five Battles/Campaigns in Northern France, Normandy, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, and Rhineland Campaign; and was wounded on October 5, 1944 in Italy, earning the Purple Heart. He was awarded the European African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with five Bronze Service Stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and the WW II Victory Medal. After his discharge from the US Army, Ben married Rosa Broughton, and the couple moved to Ohio. He worked at McCall's Corporation (Dayton Press) in Dayton for 27 years. He attended the West Alexandria First Baptist Church for many years, and loved and cherished his church family. Ben is preceded in death by wife of 62 years, Rosa (Broughton) Mills; sons Ellis and Dennis Mills; brothers Tipp, Lee and Clarence Mills; and sisters Rosie Gregory and Sarah Baker He is survived by his children Herless D. Mills (Earlene) of Louisville, KY, Janet (Mills) Purk (Michael) of Dayton, OH; daughter-in-law Cathy of New Lebanon, OH; brother Jim of Corbin, KY; Elizabeth Mills of Scalf, KY; grandchildren Stephen Mills (Tina) of Mason, OH, Andrew Purk of Lewisburg, OH, Thomas Purk (Emily) of Palos Hills, IL, Nathaniel Mills of Louisville, KY, Jason Mills (Darla) of Louisville, KY, Joshua Mills of New Lebanon, OH; step grandchildren Jeffrey Hataway, Kellie Bjurman and Thomas Hataway; great grandchildren Catherine and Elizabeth Purk of Palos Hills, IL, Teeghan and Sawyer Mills of Louisville, KY. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and special friends.The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff a the Dayton VA, and in-home aids Tonya Kirkland and Dionne Edwards for their special care. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens - 3377 US Rt. 35, West Alexandria. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jerry Carter presiding. Military honors will be presented at the graveside at Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the West Alexandria First Baptist Church. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ben F. Mills please visit our Sympathy Store.