Frank D. Mills
July 17, 1962-July 20, 2023
It saddens us to announce the unexpected passing of Frank Drake Mills. Frank was many things: a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and a true friend to many. He was a fifth generation Californian, the son of Martha G. Mills and A. Freeman Mills and was born and raised in Lodi and lived there all his life. While still in college, he took over the family farm operation over 40 years ago and went on to farm grapes, cherries, corn and other crops for the rest of his life.
In addition to his farming activities, Frank was a member and past Master of the Woodbridge Masonic Lodge Number 131 and was a member of the Reclamation District 2033 Board. He enjoyed hunting waterfowl as well as the annual autumn trip to Siskiyou for deer hunting with his brother-in-law Eric Merlo and his good friend Peter Costamagna. He was especially adept at grousing about the farmer’s life in a playful way that made it clear it was the only life for him.
Survivors include his wife Arabella, sons Frank Carlo and Henry of Lodi, brother Ed (Joy), niece Morgan Mills (Mark), sister in law Amanda Merlo, brother in law Eric Merlo, niece Catherine Merlo (Vivek) and nephew Philip Merlo. He was predeceased by his parents and by his nephew Benjamin Mills.
Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 4 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park located at 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Center for African Organization at www.cairopdx.org and/or 13909 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97233
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mills family.