Dean Hamilton Mills

Dean Hamilton Mills, 84, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025. Born on November 6, 1940, to Blanchard and Mary (Tenney) Mills, Dean was a lifelong resident of Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1958 before attending Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Dean began his career as an English teacher at Marion Public Schools before transitioning to the Michigan Department of Corrections, where he worked until his retirement in the early 1990s. However, his true passion was serving his community. For 40 years, Dean dedicated himself as a volunteer firefighter, Auxiliary Police, EMT, and later a paramedic. His commitment to emergency services played a vital role in the establishment of the new Emergency Room at Eaton Rapids Medical Center.

Beyond his service, Dean was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting and sport shooting as a member of the Three Fires flintlock shooting club. A 6th-degree black belt, he also shared his love of martial arts by teaching karate in his community. A devoted sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cindy Hogan; his children, Diane Peltier, Kim (Brad) Butler, Laura Mills, Lynn (Wayne) Sleeman, Jim Mills, Susan Myers, and Tom Milbourn; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jon (Vicky) Mills; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A service to honor Dean’s life was held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in Dean’s memory.

To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.