GEORGE BYRON MILLS, Jr.

George Byron Mills, Jr, "Bud", passed away April 25, 2018, in Fairfield, WA at the age of 93.

Bud was born January 16, 1925, to George Mills, Sr., and Marie Andersen.  They made their home in the Andrew Springs area near DeSmet, Idaho.  Bud was the youngest of the three siblings, older brother Stanley, and sister Alice.

Bud graduated from Tekoa High School in 1942 and joined the Coast Guard in 1943.

He married Joyce Anita Lehfeldt on June 11, 1951 in Tekoa, Washington.  They continued to live on the family farm near Tensed until moving to Tekoa, Washington after retiring.  Bud and Joyce enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Arizona, and spent many years traveling and visiting many memorable areas.

Bud loved farming.  He grew up on the family farm, farming with and caring for the mules, and continued to farm after he returned home from the service.  After retirement, he could always be counted on to help move, pick up a load of seed, or our favorite........show up in the field, shop or elevator with Pepsi and doughnuts.  Bud loved his family, helping others, sweets, and yes...those doughnuts or cookies and ice cream.

Bud served as Benewah County Commissioner for 25 years, served on the Clearwater Power Board of Directors, was a member of the National Grange for 70 years, and was a Board Member for the Benewah County ASCS.  Bud was a member of the Tekoa Sacred Heart Church, the Tensed Senior Citizens, the Plummer RV'ers, and enjoyed participating in Bloomsday.  Hobbies after retirement included traveling, flying, woodworking, walking, and spending time with family.

Bud and Joyce were blessed with three children, Georgene Mills, of Durango, Co., Bruce Mills and Patty of Medical Lake, WA., and Jeanene and Jerry Smart, Tensed, Id.  Survivors also include eight grandchildren; Brent (Katie) Mohasci & Blake Mohasci; Amanda Mills, Amelia Mills & Anna Mills; Derek (Tiffany) Teal, Darren (Molly) Teal & Jessica (Joshua) Harvey, ten great grandchildren, Ryann & Lauren Mohasci, Cayden & Brock Teal, Hannah, Jesse, Kelby, Rylen, Gradyn & Isabelle Harvey, and two nieces, Judy Porter and Anita Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Tekoa Sacred Heart Church, Tekoa Ambulance, or Fairfield Care.

Rosary will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tekoa on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Sean Thomson officiating.    A Memorial Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at DeSmet, Idaho on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. with Fathers Sean Thomson and Robert Erickson officiating.  Urn burial will follow at Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa.  A reception will follow at Sacred Heart Parrish in Tekoa.

Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com.

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