Don Mills

Don Mills, 86, widower of Kay Baker Mills passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He was born on April 8, 1937 to the late Clarence & Myrtle Carnes Mills in Clay County, Kentucky. He was the owner of Don Mills- State Farm Insurance Agency.

Don moved to Berea in the late 40's where he was introduced to two of the loves of his life, Kay Baker who later became his wife, and basketball. While at Berea Community High School, Don led the team to a #1 ranking in the state. Recruited by legendary University of Kentucky Coach Adolph Rupp, he played four years including the 1958 National Championship team as the 6th man on the team Rupp referred to as the "Fiddling Five." Don was drafted by the NBA, but opted to stay local, going into partnership with his father-in-law Dr. John Baker at Maroon Lanes Bowling Alley, which Don managed for several years.

In 1965 Don began his career with State Farm Insurance Company where he remained an agent until his death, earning five President Club Awards along with many other accolades. He returned to basketball serving as girls basketball coach at Model High School from 1980-1981. Don's passion later in life was raising and racing thoroughbred horses, which he did for over 40 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Kitty Allen (Rick) of Richmond and Wendy Mills of Charlotte, North Carolina; sisters, Ruby Pearson, Elaine Palumbo and Carol Bowling; brother, Holbert Mills; sister-in-law, Barbara "Biji" Baker; three grandchildren, Richard Mills Allen, John Bradley Allen and Hunter Carnes Allen, and several nieces and nephews. He also had two special people in his life that did more than their share for him, his horse trainer Aveory Faircloth and office manager Pam Bennett

Services will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Oldham, Roberts & Powell. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with the funeral following. Burial will be in the Berea Cemetery.