Douglas Alan Mills

Douglas Alan Mills transitioned suddenly from Earth to energy on the morning of December 29th, 2021 at St. Vincent Ascension Hospital in Indianapolis with his beloved wife, Detra, by his side. He suffered a devastating stroke at home the prior afternoon. He was 58 years old.

Doug was born in Hartford City, Indiana and graduated from Blackford High school in Hartford City in 1981. Doug was a noted athlete from a young age and played tennis and golf throughout high school. He earned All-Conference and All State accolades in his youth.

After that, he attended Indiana University and graduated from the Kelly School of Business in Bloomington, IN with a degree in Finance in 1985. Doug was celebrated by IU as a Distinguished Alumni in 1998.

Upon graduation from IU, Doug earned CPA credentials and worked initially for Arthur Andersen & Co. before moving to in-house corporate roles from VP of Finance to Chief Financial Officer. Doug enjoyed a successful career as a finance executive for various companies including McMillan Publishing, Pearson Education, Indiana Public Employees Retirement Fund, BMG/Columbia House Records, and Phoenix Brands. Doug was a brilliant accountant and leader of people and processes. He was known by colleagues not only for his strong business acumen but also for his unvarnished integrity, personal authenticity, and his genuine approach to working with others.

Doug had an incredible, dry wit that he shared freely. He enjoyed a full range of emotions, crying openly during every Master’s Ceremony, watching personality vignettes during NCAA tourneys and the Super Bowl, and even making up new swear words during IU basketball games (during which he wore candy stripped warm ups, obviously and rage-texted with his brother and nephew - all IU grads). Doug was an ardent follower of IU athletics, the Indianapolis Colts, and whatever team his kids, nephew, and niece played on at the time.

He had a great passion for collecting bourbon and wine, which he supported with many visits with Detra to Kentucky, California, and France to enjoy sips. Doug had a strong penchant for enjoying chocolate, brownies, and sister-in-love Robin’s cookie dough.

Doug was passionate about the arts, music, and sports-related movies and documentaries. He enjoyed live concerts (summer didn’t begin until Symphony on the Prairie kicked off), theatre, and Broadway musicals.

He also loved the outdoors. Fishing with his dad and Uncles Don and Bob provided some of his most treasured enjoyment. He also like to spend time in state parks hiking trails and pointing out birds and trees to those who walked with him. He fully enjoyed all that nature had to offer. For many years, he and Detra would schlep their golf clubs to pay at some of the most beautiful resorts and PGA courses that the US and Mexico had to offer.

Doug lived deep personal values and believed firmly that love is love, Black Lives Matter, family is what you make it, knowledge is power, and faith is a personal journey between an individual and their greater power. Doug’s love and compassion impacted many across the US and abroad. He served as the Treasurer to the Umoja Partnership/Global Interfaith Project since 2017, ensuring that orphaned and vulnerable children had food security and access to education in Chulaimbo, Kenya, Africa. Doug also had a personal interest in stopping domestic violence and was a major donor for Coburn Place Safe Haven, in Indianapolis. His philanthropic generosity was also shared with Gleaner’s Food Bank, Toys for Tots, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, and several other non-profit organizations.

Doug leaves behind his bereaved bride and best friend of more than 20 years. Together they traveled far, laughed hard, and shared many amazing experiences together. Doug joined Detra as an “honorary member” of Sisterhood at Congregation Beth-el Zedeck, where he served wine and food, along with chuckles, at many events. The Sisterhood Patio is named in honor of Doug and Detra, and they shared many wonderful holiday events at the dinner tables of the Wolf, Mishkin, and Gilbert families over the decades.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Judith "Judy Burchand" Mills.  He is survived by his wife, Detra; father, Robert “Ed” Mills; children and bonus children, Megan (Alexander) Clayton, Corey Mills (Danielle Bertram), Jeremy Amico (Lauryn “Lola”), and Joseph Amico (Ilsa Gehman); grandchildren, Theodore, Matisse, Jeremiah, Ravyn, and Aryia; brother, Andrew (Robin) Mills; special aunt, Bonnie Mills; many other aunts and uncles; and his fur baby, Booker.

He will be forever missed beyond all comprehension by those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 for immediate family only.  Friends are welcome to attend virtually by clicking the link below.

Detra will accept masked and vaccinated visitors at her and Doug’s home while she observes shiva beginning on Sunday, January 2nd.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of the charities closest to Doug’s heart:

— The Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of Doug’s mother, Judy

— Umoja Partnership/Global Interfaith Project

— Coburn Place Safe Haven