Pastor John C. Mills

Click on the tribute wall above to view the video tribute.

Pastor John C. Mills, 95, went home to the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, April 23, 2023, in Allen Park, Michigan. Pastor Mills was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan and after serving a year in the Merchant Marines (1944) and then the United States Army (1945-1947), he started a successful business, Mills Music Studio.

As an accomplished accordion player his love of music ranged from big band to gospel. One of the highlights of his military career was when he led the band down the streets in post-occupied Japan in the city of Sasebo.

John was an avid boater, and water skied into his 70s. This included annual summer weeks in Irish Hills, MI where he piloted his boat countless hours pulling his kids and grandkids around the lake(s). He loved and shared his annual vacations to Naples, FL where he was the first in and last out of the hot tub every night.

His life took a dramatic turn when the Lord called him to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his love and study of the Holy Scriptures intensified. He became ordained with the Bible Presbyterian Church and ministered to a vibrant congregation in Trenton, Michigan (which he started in his home) for over forty years.

Along with his local congregation he reached many through the Faith Bible Hour which was broadcast weekly to Christian radio stations in Michigan, California, and Pennsylvania. Pastor Mills was a member of the Faith Presbytery and a keynote speaker at the Christian Admiral in Cape May, New Jersey and Cape Canaveral, Florida.

John married the love of his life, Mary M. Mills, with whom he spent 63 wonderful years. He was the loving father of John (Kathy) Mills, Michael Mills (Barbara Stenson) Charles (Gerda) Mills, Steve (Therese) Mills, Catherine (Todd) Smith. Carolyn (Richard) Rayburn. He was the cherished grandfather of Nathan (Jeanette) Mills, Jennifer (Brian) Grawburg, Jeremy (Kara) Mills. David (Elizabeth) Mills, Mark (Monica) Mills, Laura Mills, Eric (Huan) Mills, Ryan (Kim) Mills, Rachel (Matt) Kasprzyk, Rebecca Mills, Andrew (Tori) Smith. Tyler (Lis) Smith, Gracie (Luke) Harvey, Katie (Amos) Corbett, Lt Seth Rayburn, Gabriel Rayburn, Hannah (Chris) Triplett. John was the proud grandpa "great' to 19 great-grandchildren.

In leu of flowers, contributions may be given to The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Mission (www.praysendgo.com).

Visitation will be held Friday, April 28 at 2 p.m to 8 p.m and a celebration of the life of Pastor John C. Mills will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, at Martenson Funeral Home 10915 Allen Road Allen Park, MI 48101