Danny Lee “Dan” Mills of Echo died on June 22, 2023 in Portland at the age of 69.
He was born on July 18, 1953 in Pendleton to Don and Nita Kerr Mills.
Dan was raised, worked on the family farm and attended school in Stanfield, where he participated in basketball and baseball. He graduated from Stanfield High School in the class of 1971. Dan then attended Willamette University in Salem for a time before transferring to the University of Oregon, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He then returned home to work on the family farm with his parents and brothers.
He was united in marriage to June Jimmerson on Sept. 22, 1984 in Stanfield. After his parents retired in 1992, Dan and his brothers, Marvin and Monte, continued to run the farm until his passing.
He was an avid Duck fan who enjoyed watching the Mariners and golfing. Dan cherished spending time with his family, especially his planned vacations when he and June, their children and grandchildren would go on a special trip for his birthday.
He is survived by his wife, June Mills, Echo; daughters, Chrissy Eagan (Cory), Kennewick, Wash. and Nicole Smith (Derek), Echo; son, Klint Mills (Jessie), Hermiston; father, Don Mills, Stanfield; brothers, Monte Mills (Jan) and Marvin Mills (Kim), all of Stanfield; sister, Marla Wilkie (Steve), Rainier; grandchildren, Emma, Riley, Kendyl, Brecken, Katelyn, William, Kooper and Carter Lee; Aunt Margo (Mike) McGuire; nieces, nephews and cousins; plus many bonus family members that he has influenced and loved along the way.
Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Nita Mills.
A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center.
A private family burial will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dan’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Please share memories of Dan with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
