Frederick M. "Fred" Mills

Frederick Mitchell Mills “F. M. Mills,” 77, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday evening February 3, 2022. He passed away peacefully at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, surrounded by family. Fred was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) “Lou Gehrig’s disease” on November 4, 2021 at Mayo Clinic.

Fred was born on April 22, 1944, the second of four children born to Thomas Oliver Mills, Sr. & Genevieve Mills (Scott) of Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Van Horn High School in 1962 & graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Administration of Justice.

Fred began his first job when he was a teenager by riding his bicycle to deliver prescriptions to customer’s homes in Independence. After acquiring his driver’s license, he became employed at the Golden Point Drive-In Restaurant in Independence. Upon graduation from Van Horn High School in 1962, he worked at Allis Chalmers Combine Plant & also kept his second job at the Golden Point. Fred became a recruit on June 1, 1967 as part of the 33rd Recruit class with the Missouri State Highway Patrol & attended their Training Academy in Rolla, MO. Upon graduation from the academy, he started his career as a Trooper in Clay & Platte County, MO. He was appointed Colonel on September 1, 1993. After 30 years of service, he retired on August 31, 1997. He went on to serve as Chief of Police (Interim position) in Grain Valley, MO from December 1997 to June 1998. He then became the City Administrator for Grain Valley, MO from July 1998 to September 2001. His final employment was with the City of Independence, MO as Chief of Police from October 2001 to April 2008.

Fred graduated from the FBI Executive Institute in 1989. He received awards & recognitions over his 38-year career in law enforcement that are too numerous to mention. He not only held professional memberships & affiliations with over a dozen organizations, but actively participated in them. He was active on many boards & committees & participated in a variety of programs geared towards our youth, elderly & citizens.

Following the end of his employment, Fred stayed very active in the community helping out families & the elderly through his work with the Northwest Community Development Center in Independence, as well as Independence Meals on Wheels. He also served on the board for the MASTERS organization after his retirement from MSHP in 1997, up until last year, which helps the families of MO State Troopers killed in the line of duty. In addition, he spent many hours volunteering at Voy Spears Elementary where his grandchildren attend & received an award for having the most volunteer hours at the school; all the children just loved him. In honor of Fred’s service & dedication to the MASTERS, they have renamed their MASTERS public service award to Fred M. Mills MASTERS Public Service Award.

Judging by the hundreds of Facebook comments since his passing, he was loved by all that knew him, & touched more lives with his caring & genuine concern for others than he could have ever imagined. Fred was a man of integrity, character & strength. He remembered everyone’s names, as well as their spouse & children, was soft spoken, a true gentleman, a great leader who treated everyone equally, good sense of humor, infectious smile, & made coming to work fun. Fred was a great role model for everyone & the epitome of what all troopers & police officers should strive to be. Anyone that spent much time with Fred felt like he made them a better person & he left a lasting legacy for all that knew him. His motto to each organization he led was “We treat all people as ladies & gentlemen. Not necessarily because they are, but because we are.” He was a humble man with a huge heart who never took the credit for accomplishments. “Together we made some strides, & if those who judge what we did, say ‘you left the place better than you found it, & you cared’ that will make you feel good inside.”

Fred was a family man who loved God, his family & friends. Prior to Covid, he attended Summit Church in Lee’s Summit, & following Covid watched it every week online. Fred & Sandy shared many great memories over their 39 years together. They enjoyed traveling, cooking, movies, lake time & spending time with family. Fred just lit up when he told stories of his children & grandchildren & spent many summers at the Lake of the Ozarks swimming, boating, jet skiing & playing with them. Of all the hats he wore throughout his lifetime, the role of “papa” would have had to be at the top. He was very proud of his children & grandchildren. When Fred was asked what his favorite memory was, his response was, “It’s been a good ride.”

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Vickie Mills on 5/15/1994, & son, Jeffery Mitchell Mills on 9/20/2020. Fred is survived & will be greatly missed by his wife, Sandy Mills of Independence; son Cooper Mills (Becky) of Seattle; daughter Tiffany (Chris) Nay of Lee’s Summit; five grandchildren, Zachary & Sophia Mills, & Ryleigh, Tucker & Dierks Nay; two brothers, Thomas Mills (Nancy) of Blue Springs, MO, Gregory Mills (Carroll) of Kansas City, MO, & a loving father-in-law, sister-in-law & brother-in-law, nephews, nieces & friends.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 11 from 11-1 at First Baptist Church Blue Springs at 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence, MO 64057. The funeral will be held immediately following visitation. Burial will be at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, 25203 E. US Hwy 50, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. The service will be live streamed at: live.fbcbluesprings.org

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The MASTERS for the families of state troopers killed in the line of duty. Contributions can be sent to: The MASTERS, 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, MO 63785 or make a donation online at www.themastersmo.org

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com
(Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)