Carl Howard Mills, Charter Member of NRHA Passes

Carl Howard Mills, former rancher, farmer, Cowley County Appraiser and World War II Veteran, passed away at age 97, at the Kansas Veteran’s Home in Winfield, Kansas, on Sunday, September 8, 2024.  

He was born on March 25, 1927, in Winfield, Kansas, to Otis D. Mills and Nellie (McGill) Mills. Carl was the fourth generation to live on the Mills Ranch homestead on Otter Creek, northwest of Cedar Vale, Kansas, which was established by his great-grandfather in 1871.  Carl graduated from Cedar Vale High School in 1945 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he proudly served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Pledge Minesweeper. Following his honorable service, Carl continued his education at Kansas State University.

In May of 1954, Carl married Shirley J. Venters in Cedar Vale, and they had two children, Carla and Larry. The couple later divorced. Carl remarried in May of 1980, joining his life with Phyllis Macy-Messenger. Together they made their home in Cedar Vale, Kansas, and later in Arkansas City, Kansas.

Carl’s contributions to his community were many. He served on the Cedar Vale School Board, the Sedan State Bank Board and the Big Caney Watershed Board. He was also a past president of the Kansas Quarter Horse Association and the South-Central Kansas Appraiser Association. Carl held the position of Cowley County Appraiser from 1988 until his retirement in 2001 and later served as a hearing officer with the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals.

His dedication to service extended beyond his professional life. Carl was a Master Mason since 1954, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite member for over 60 years, and an active member of the American Legion and the Lions Club, which he joined in 1960. He was recognized as Cowley County’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 1959. Carl was also a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association and a charter member and past director of the National Reining Horse Association.

One of Carl’s lifelong passions was raising and showing Quarter Horses. In 1968, he obtained his pilot’s license, allowing him to expand his ranching and horse endeavors. He raised numerous Quarter Horses that earned Register of Merit honors.  Notably, Carl raised several AQHA champions that included Harlans Tyree. In 1965, Carl joined three of his closest Quarter Horse friends who formed a syndicate to purchase Harlan, a leading sire of AQHA champions. In 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas, Carl accepted the award on behalf of the Harlan Syndicate when Harlan was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.
 
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis, a stepson William Macy Messenger, his mother-in-law Earline Macy, a daughter-in-law Gayla Messenger and a brother-in-law, Marion Ramsey. 

He is survived by his daughter Carla (Bill) Barnard; his son Larry J. Mills; his brother J.D. Mills; his stepsons, Len (Mary) Messenger and Jon Messenger; and his stepdaughter Bambi (Tim) Gress. He also leaves behind his three grandsons, Ryan (Hope) Rader, Joel (Casey) Mills, and Tucker (Karrie) Mills; Sister-in-law Jill (Jim) Brandon; Brother-in-law Bill (Susan) Macy; as well as his step-grandchildren, Jon (Amanda) Messenger, Holly (Kendall) Wedman, Bonnie (Kyle) Parker, Colleen (Kelsey) Knowles, Katy Messenger, Bill Messenger, and Jacob (Melody) Messenger; and eight great-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren.  

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.  Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery.  

A memorial has been established in Carl’s name for the Kansas Honor Flight.  Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Kansas.