Marvin Lee Mills, 71, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 1, 2022 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri after a courageous battle against cancer.
Marvin was born June 7, 1950 in Great Bend, Kansas. He was one of two sons born to Melvin and Mildred (McCord) Mills. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1968. He then attended Salina Vo-Tech school to learn auto and diesel mechanics.
Marvin was united in marriage to Betty J. (Froese) Bixby on May 12, 1990 in Salina, Kansas. They made their home in Salina until 1992 when they moved to Hays.
Marvin was an Environmental Compliance/ Regulatory Specialist for the Kansas Corporation Commission. Prior, he worked for Koch Industries as a Transportation Supervisor. In his early years, he was an automotive/diesel mechanic for Waddell Oldsmobile Cadillac for many years, and was also co-owner of O&O Auto/Truck Center. Marvin was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hays. He was an active member of the Isis Shrine, the Hays Masonic Lodge and the Royal Order of the Jesters. He enjoyed golfing and all forms of auto racing. When he was younger, he was an avid drag racer at Great Bend Speedway and later enjoyed following and supporting local drivers at RPM Speedway with Betty.
Marvin’s surviving family include his wife of 31 years, Betty of the home; daughter, Kristi Bergeron (Dan) of Shawnee, Kansas; sons, Chad Mills (Kimberly) of Shawnee, Kansas, Greg Bixby (Rhonda) of Solomon, Kansas and Jared Bixby (Jennifer) of Wamego, Kansas; brother, Morris Mills (Marsha) of McPherson, Kansas; and ten grandchildren.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents.
Celebration of Marvin’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, where Masonic Rites will be conducted. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, January 7, 2022 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the Isis Shrine. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.