Donald Hugo Mills


Donald Mills was born August 23, 1932, in El Cajon, Calif., to William and Theresa (Braffet) Mills. He passed away in his home in Rockaway Beach on April 9, 2009, at age 76.

Donald attended high school in Kingman, Ariz., and joined the Marine Corps in 1950. During his 20-year military career, he served in Korea and earned several medals, including a Purple Heart. He also served in Japan, Alaska, Washington and California.

He retired from the military in 1970 as a master gunnery sergeant.

He attended Multnomah College, where he graduated top in his class, and became a funeral director.

After serving the Marysville, Seattle and Everett, Wash., communities, he retired in 1997.

Donald was a member of the VFW, NRA, Tillamook Elk's Lodge and American Legion.

He enjoyed building historic ship models, playing the organ, painting, listening to music and reading about historic events.

Donald is survived by his wife, Laurel Peckman Mills of Rockaway Beach; children Dawn Richards and husband George of Bellevue, Wash., Robin Murphy and husband Brian of Riverside, Calif., Rennie Peckman and wife Brenda of Covington, Wash., and Rodney Peckman of Carnation, Wash; grandchildren Brett Richards of Bellevue, Brianne Murphy of San Diego, Calif., Jamison Murphy of Riverside, Calif., and Michelle Murphy of Riverside.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Korean War Veteran Memorial Fund. Arrangements are in care of Waud's Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held for Donald Hugo Mills on April 16, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash.

Headlight-Herald April 15, 2009

Donald Hugo Mills


Donald Mills was born August 23, 1932, in El Cajon, Calif., to William and Theresa (Braffet) Mills. He passed away in his home in Rockaway Beach on April 9, 2009, at age 76.

Donald attended high school in Kingman, Ariz., and joined the Marine Corps in 1950. During his 20-year military career, he served in Korea and earned several medals, including a Purple Heart. He also served in Japan, Alaska, Washington and California.

He retired from the military in 1970 as a master gunnery sergeant.

He attended Multnomah College, where he graduated top in his class, and became a funeral director.

After serving the Marysville, Seattle and Everett, Wash., communities, he retired in 1997.

Donald was a member of the VFW, NRA, Tillamook Elk's Lodge and American Legion.

He enjoyed building historic ship models, playing the organ, painting, listening to music and reading about historic events.

Donald is survived by his wife, Laurel Peckman Mills of Rockaway Beach; children Dawn Richards and husband George of Bellevue, Wash., Robin Murphy and husband Brian of Riverside, Calif., Rennie Peckman and wife Brenda of Covington, Wash., and Rodney Peckman of Carnation, Wash; grandchildren Brett Richards of Bellevue, Brianne Murphy of San Diego, Calif., Jamison Murphy of Riverside, Calif., and Michelle Murphy of Riverside.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Korean War Veteran Memorial Fund. Arrangements are in care of Waud's Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held for Donald Hugo Mills on April 16, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash.

Headlight-Herald April 15, 2009