Thomas Leroy Mills, 68

After a long battle with cancer, Tom is now resting peacefully awaiting the return of our Lord. Tom was an extraordinary and very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Tom was born Oct. 31, 1941, in Winslow, Ark., and moved to Hermiston, Ore., when he was 5 years old. He went to the ol' Columbia Elementary School and in 1960 he graduated from Hermiston High School.

Tom married the love of his life, Jan Prince, on Sept. 28, 1964. He served his country proudly in Vietnam from 1964-1966, and brought back a strong sense of compassion. After returning home from Vietnam, Tom and Jan continued their dream of raising a family.

In November 1999, Tom and Jan moved to Priest River, Idaho, and the rest of the family followed.

Tom's passions included his God, his family, his horses, carpet-laying and his delicious Hermiston watermelons. He knew no stranger and was loved by everyone.

He had an eternal and undying love for his wife and was unafraid to express his love through his words and actions. He always had a way of surprising Jan with gifts and affection.

His family had great respect for him and always sought his advice and counsel. He was a strong man of God and full of wisdom.

Tom had a way of always making us laugh and he knew how to put a smile on anyone's face.

Tom will be forever loved and missed by his family, friends, and every heart he touched. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Dilford and Amy Mills; and a nephew, Justin Mills. He is survived by his wife, Janice Mills; and his children, daughter Wendy Waters of Post Falls, Idaho, son Shane Mills and daughter-in-law Paula Mills of Priest River, daughter Misty Kuhn and son-in-law Jack Kuhn of Priest River, son Tommy Mills and daughter-in-law Hannah Mills of Cocolalla, Idaho, and daughter Stephanie Mills of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

There will be a celebration of Tom's life on Sept. 12, 2010, at Riley Creek Park in Laclede, Idaho, at 1 p.m.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home of Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.