Thomas "Tom" D. Mills

Thomas Dee Mills, “Tom,” 72, passed away on February 26, 2025, in his home in Pocatello, Idaho surrounded by family. He survived a liver transplant in 2014 and fought metastatic papillary thyroid cancer for many years. 

Dad was born on August 28, 1952 in Vinyard, Utah to Delbert and Lois Mills. He graduated from Orem High in 1970, served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in London, England from 1972-1974. He then went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a Minor in Physics. 

Dad married Gayle Carson on March 1, 1975 in the Provo, Utah Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple. Their 50-year anniversary would have been on March 1, 2025. 

Dad worked his way up to Vice President of Operations in the Semiconductor industry. His job took the family to Provo, Utah, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Amherst, New Hampshire, Phoenix, Arizona, Cave Creek, Arizona, Pocatello, Idaho, Manila, Philippines, and Orlando, Florida. They then retired and settled back in Pocatello, Idaho. 

Dad held a bench rest shooting world record for about 20 minutes and was proud of it. He was also a former golf pro and his fly fishing casting was envious to all. He could land a fly within inches of where his guide would tell him. He also enjoyed Harley riding and photography. He studied each of his hobbies to perfection. In his early days he was an avid backpacker and served in the Scouts for many years, sharing his love of the mountains. 

He loved the gospel and served diligently in many callings, including as Bishop to the Buena Vista YSA Ward in Florida (easily his favorite calling). He also loved to discuss church history, including anything controversial. 

Dad is survived by his wife, Gayle, his children, Jennifer Mills, Jenna Georgeson (Kory), and DJ Mills (Jenny). Yes, the females in the family all have similar names. Dad’s grandchildren are Bradley, Addilyn, Boston, Carson, Kelsey, and Zoey (the granddog). 

He is also survived by his wonderful siblings Pat Pope (Ron), Jim Mills (Jill), and Deb Hiatt (Vern). 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6-8 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. Chubbuck, Idaho. Graveside services will take place the following day, Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11 am at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID. This will be immediately followed by a luncheon and a Celebration of Life (come prepared to share a story!) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2925 Michelle St. in Pocatello. All are welcome!

A special thank you to the St. Luke’s Cancer Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, and EnHabit Hospice for the wonderful care we received until the end of his life. 

Memories and condolences may be shared using the guestbook below.