Melvin Junior Mills, 86 of Russell, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the St. John’s Nursing Center in Victoria, Kansas.

Melvin was born December 20, 1925 in Garber, Oklahoma, the son of Marvin Wheeler and Dora ( George ) Mills.  He grew up in Winfield, Kansas and graduated from Winfield High School.

Melvin served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He was stationed in the South Pacific and witnessed the raising of the flag during the battle of Iwo Jima.

Melvin was united in marriage to Mildred Lee on August 7, 1949 in Albert, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two sons; Marvin and Morris.  Mildred preceded him in death on April 1, 2010.

Early in life Melvin was working in the oil field on a drilling unit, his job moved him around from Winfield, Great Bend, Plainville and in 1953 he moved to Russell.  He then worked for Murfin Oil Co. as a Production Supervisor for over 40 years before he retired.

Melvin was a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge, the Salina Isis Temple Shrine and the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Melvin enjoyed spending his spare time playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving family include two sons; Marvin Mills (Betty) of Hays, Kansas and Morris Mills (Marsha) of McPherson, Kansas; seven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Melvin’s Life will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 5, 2012 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from Noon to 8 PM Sunday at the Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Russell Shrine Travel Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.