Carl Edward Mills, 86, went home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2022, surrounded by loving family. A son of the late Joseph M. Mills and the late Gladys M. Lumpkins, he was born on March 26, 1935, in Avella, PA. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Pearl Kathryn (Kathy) Mills; sisters Myrtle Guiddy and Doris Mills; and brothers Wallace Mills, James Mills, and Joseph Mills.

He is survived by his brothers Earl (Judy) Mills and Leo (Julie) Mills; children Carla (George) Kuntupis, John (Carol) Mills, Deborah (Helmut) Rieckmann, and Misty McConnaughy; grandchildren Rich (Angie) Davis, Amber Davis, Lindsey (Bryan) Stonebraker, Alex Kuntupis, Cody Kuntupis, Cory Kuntupis, Daniel Rieckmann, Gabby Rieckmann, Betty Rieckmann, and Abigail Duvall; great-grandchildren Emma Davis, Reagan Davis, Briley Blancato, and Adison Blancato.

Growing up in Steubenville, OH, Carl made the most of his childhood, from hiking along the railroad tracks to swimming in the river with his brothers. He credits the Salvation Army in Steubenville for providing him guidance throughout his formative and teenage years; he spent his adult life giving back to this organization which he held so close to his heart.

Carl proudly served his country in the United States Army. Stationed in Panama for the duration of his service, his boyhood love of the outdoors proved valuable in him becoming a wilderness survival instructor, teaching new recruits how to survive in the jungle. In addition to a survival instructor, Carl was an expert marksman. He was a member of the American Legion Post 33.

Upon completing his military service, Carl was employed by Weirton Steel Corporation. Additionally, he was co-owner of Heritage Complete Home Care and Heritage Home Care, Inc. After retiring from Weirton Steel, Carl enjoyed his free time hunting and fishing. He also traveled extensively with his wife, always ready for a new adventurefrom Alaska to Arizona to his old stomping grounds in Panama. He took pride in maintaining the family property, often cutting grass, tending the garden, and creating landscaping. Another benefit of retirement was having more time to attend Bid Red football games. Always looking forward to sitting on the bleachers with his son every Friday, cheering on his favorite team, Carl loved all of it the chill in the air, the warmth of the stadium lights, the smell of extra mustard slathered on concession stand hot dogs, and the chatter of excited football fans. When Big Red played away, he delighted in figuring out the logistics of the travel to attend those gameswho was joining him, what routes to take, and most importantly, what restaurant had the best slice of pie in that area.

Carls biggest achievement in life was his family. He cherished them and encompassed an innate compassion that prompted him to take care of those around him, no matter what. His work ethic was unmatched, and he strove to provide security for his loved ones. His family knew they could always count on him. He just seemed to know how to solve problems, and the phrase, "Dad will know", was commonplace among his children. Whether it was a hammer or a piece of spoken wisdom, Dad always knew what tool was needed.

He was an active member of the congregation at First Westminster Presbyterian Church and was previously an Elder Emeritus at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Carl was selfless and fiercely loyal to all he loved. Although he will be deeply missed, his memory and influence will live on through all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022, at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, OH, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Reverend Jason Elliott will officiate and interment with military honors will follow at Island Creek Cemetery in Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army in Steubenville, OH. www.jefosterfh.com

Services Visitation Monday February 7, 2022 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM J. E. Foster Funeral Homes 701 Findley St. Toronto, OH 43964 Funeral Service Tuesday February 8, 2022 11:00 AM J. E. Foster Funeral Homes 701 Findley St. Toronto, OH 43964