Louis G. Mills

CLAREMONT — Louis G. Mills, 94, of North Street in Claremont, New Hampshire died Monday, June 4 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born in Keene, New Hampshire on April 7, 1924, the son of Harold and Cassie (Stratton) Mills, and had been a Claremont resident for most of his life. He was a graduate of Stevens High School, Class of 1944.

Louis was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served during World War II. He had been employed as an inspector by Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Windsor, Vermont where he was awarded the Windsor Spirit Award in 1978 and retired in 1979. He was a member and past president of the Men’s Garden Club as well as a life member of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce. Louis began attending the First Baptist Church (now Grace River) with his parents in 1938. He became a member of the church on June 5, 1955. He worked with his father who was the custodian of the church and later became the custodian himself. He was a longtime usher, recorded the offerings with the Financial Secretary, just relinquishing the job recently. He organized and helped prepare many church suppers and took much pride in the way the church looked.

Louis spearheaded many Claremont beautification projects including the 120 keg planters as well as the hanging baskets that adorned the sidewalks of Claremont for many years. He was named Claremont’s Citizen of the Year in 1969. He was also recognized as Outstanding Citizen for Claremont by the Sullivan County Grange, Pomona District, 2000 Unsung Hero Award from the Claremont Chamber of Commerce and the Community Service Award by the Claremont Rotary Club.

Members of his family include his wife of 12 years, Maxine (Bishop) Mills, of Claremont; a son, Louis G. Mills Jr. of Miami, Florida; a daughter, Diane Wiegand of Baltimore, Maryland; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three stepchildren, a sister, Dorothy Kasaras of Claremont, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Esther M. Mills, a daughter, Gloria Sucharzewski, a grandson, Brandy Wiegand, two brothers, Richard Mills and Roland Mills Sr.; and two sisters, Shirley Baccarella and Madeline Verrill. A Celebration of Louis’ life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Grace River Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Kearns, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Grace River Church Building Fund, 56 Main St., Claremont, NH 03743. You are invited to share a memory of Louis with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com.