Bernard "Bernie" Mills, 81 of Walton, passed away Friday morning, June 26, 2009 at home following a long illness.

Bernie was born on April 10, 1928 in Walton the son of the late James and Lena Aikens Mills. He was a graduate of Downsville High School class of 1945. He proudly served his country in the US Army Air Corp. during World War II. On August 23, 1969 he married the former Edith Cranston. Bernie was employed as an area plant and service supervisor for Columbia Gas of New York, retiring after 32 years. Bernie was a member and past commander of the Walton Truman C. Toby Post, Delaware County American Legion Commander, Riverside Alliance Church where he served as elder, and a former member of the Olean Lions Club and BPOE of Olean.

Bernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, church activities, gardening and being a member of the American Legion firing squad for funerals, memorial services and special occasions.

Bernie is survived by his wife: Edie, one daughter, Sally (Phil) Yust of Wichita, Kansas; one son, Daniel Mills of Sidney, 2 grandchildren, Adrienne (Chris) Waner, Cara (Matt) Corder, 3 great-grandchildren, Vivian, Greta and Mirabelle, sister-in-law, Janet Mills, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Robert Mills in 1976, and 6 brothers, Reginald, Richard, Herbert, Donald, James Jr., and John.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday, June 29, 2009 from 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, NY. On Tuesday morning a calling hour from 10 to 11 AM will be held at the Riverside Alliance Church, where services will be held at 11 AM with Pastor Stephen Blews, officiating. Interment will follow in Paige Cemetery, Downsville with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Bernie's memory may be made to the Riverside Alliance Church, 110 Stockton Ave., Walton, NY 13856, or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.