John A. Mills

John A. Mills, 83, of Little Rock, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, was received into his heavenly home, April 30, 2013. He was born April 19, 1930 in Little Rock to Raymond and Bertha Mills. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 57 years, LaVerne York Mills, and a brother, Raymond Mills. John was a passionate Christian. His faith was expressed through his deep passion for southern gospel and traditional Christian music. No doubt the lyrics of the scriptures found in the songs that he loved are now his heavenly reality. His life was centered around his church, his family and a love of trains. John was a lifetime member of the Church of the Nazarene, graduated from Little Rock High School in 1948 and attended Bethany Nazarene College. He worked in Little Rock for 20 years before starting his career at Amtrak in 1973 – his lifelong dream – holding management positions in passenger services and the mechanical departments. He was a tireless advocate for reinstating passenger rail service in Arkansas, which was achieved in 1974. It would not be a stretch of the truth to say that had there not been a John Mills, there would be no Texas Eagle train service through Arkansas today. John was an amazing resource for passenger rail history. He was a charter member of the Arkansas Railroad Club; and a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers since 1968, serving as a board of director for many years. He is survived by his son, John, Jr. of Garden City, Kansas; his sister, Norma Gibson of Roland; three nephews, Bradley Gibson, Gordon Gibson, Ray Mills; one niece, Jane Gibson George; and a host of great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Rhonda Gentry and Nurse Cathy Lee for their attendance to his medical needs with much love and affection. Farewell thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 West 12th Street. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Memorial Park in Alexander. Online guest: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.