Jerry Donald Mills, 75, Hays, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Hays Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 30, 1936, in Childress, Texas, to Jesse O. and Leona Fay (Zuber) Mills.

He married Betty Nell Cooper on Dec. 16, 1956, in Willow, Okla.

He grew up in Morton, Texas, attended Southwestern State in Oklahoma and was a graduate of Texas A&I University with bachelor's and master's degrees. He was in business for a short time and was a college professor for more than 30 years, teaching at Wharton County Junior College and Midland Community College, both in Texas. He retired in 2006 and moved to Hays to be with family.

He was an avid fisherman, loved football, was active in the Democratic Party and many other organizations in Texas. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Hays.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Mills, of the home; two daughters, Shala Mills and husband, Darrell Hamlin, Ellis; Kristi Mills and husband, Daniel Kulmala, Hays; five grandchildren, Allison Bannister, Anne Bannister, Jonah Mills-Kulmala, Spenser Mills-Kulmala and Ripley Mills-Kulmala.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leon Mills; and a sister, Jeanette Hartgraves.

Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall; private family inurnment will be at a later date.

The family will receive friends following the services Saturday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Jerry D. Mills Faculty Development Fund in care of Midland College, Mayo Clinic cancer research at Scottsdale, Ariz., or First Presbyterian Church, Hays.

Cline's Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be sent via email to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net.