MILLS, Rodney Lynn "Rod" - b. July 17, 1963 - d. July 22, 2022

[patyrn]

Rodney Lynn "Rod" Millls was born on July 17, 1963 in Kansas City, Kansas to Rodger and Glenda (Beaumont) Mills.  Life isn't always balanced, and on July 22, 2022, depression tipped the scales, resulting in a tragic ending.

For most of his childhood, Rod grew up in Moline, Kansas, graduating from West Elk High School in Howard, Kansas in 1981.  His love for hot rods and fast cars started from an early age.  He was wrenching on his own at only 14 years of age with skills and knowledge improving with age and experience.  The "more power the better" attitude awarded him multiple trips to the winner's circle at the drag strip but also a quick trip to the slammer for street racing, a secret that was revealed during a game of "Have you Ever?" in the car with the kids.

Rod worked in Dalhart, Texas as a mechanic for several years.  He then moved back to Moline, Kansas and opened his own automotive shop.  The next place for him to turn wrenches landed him at Reedy Ford in Arkansas City, Kansas.  For many years, Rod commuted back and forth from Moline, but he finally moved to Arkansas City, making it his permanent residence. 

Rod wasa united in marriage to Mariana in 2004 .  They had three children together - Blake, Ashlynn, and Marissa.  He worked for Reedy Ford as a Senior Master Tech for 14 years before going independently again with Mills Automotive Repair.  He was known throughout all of southern Kansas as the "Ford Man". 

Changing gears in 2019, he became a Snap-On franchisee owner where he visited shop-to-shop locking customers into their love-hate relationship with tools and their weekly payment plan.  Often, Mr. Snappy and Jr. Snappy could be seen on Facebook with their latest videos sharing the latest specials or the Pick Ten drawings.   When people would call, they would be greeted with "This is Rod, SNAP-ON, Baby". 

Rod's life was full of love and laughter despite the lows that he struggled with.  He was a quiet but incredibly giving man, sometimes to his own demise.  Although his life included many adventures of hunting, fishing, riding, and racing, his greatest pride and joy was his children, reuniting with his oldest son, and meeting his grandsons.  The entire family was extremely proud of him for being sober for the last 8 months.

Rod is survived by his wife, Mariana; his children, Harvey Lance (Jada) Featherson, Blake Mills, Ashlynn Mills, and Marissa Mills; grandsons, Keegan, Kyler, and Huxtyn Featherson; his sister, Lorri (Jay) Robert; his nieces, Jaiden and Brooke; his brother-in-law, Michael (Pamala) Davidson and their children, Sierra, Cheyenne, and Dakota; and his mother-n-law, Melba Davidson.  He was preceded in death by his father, Rodger Mills; his mother, Glenda Mills; and his father-in-law, Larry Davidson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kansas.  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 3125 N. Summit Street, Arkansas City, Kasnas 67005.  Burial will take place at Hope Cemetery west of Arkansas City, Kansas.  in lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the Rod Mills Automotive/Tools Scholarship Fund.  Online condolences may be made at www.rindt-erdman.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 E. Kanas Avenue, Arkansas City, Kansas 67005.

(taken from the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home website)