David M. Mills (79) of Effingham 

David M. Mills, 79 of Effingham, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis.

A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with visitation from 3:00 pm to the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions to the Family Life Center or Sacred Heart Church.

David was born on January 23, 1946, in Mt. Vernon, New York, the son of Arthur and Netta (Lang) Mills. He graduated from A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon in 1963 and went on to attend Park College in Parkville, Missouri, and the University of Missouri–Rolla. On June 7, 1969, David married Carol Breiner and they were married for 56 years. He was employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation for 34 years, retiring in 2000. Following retirement, he remained active in the community, serving as a board member, president, and treasurer for the Effingham Highway Credit Union, and working part-time for three local banks. He also worked as a part-time tax preparer for Hanks and Willenborg, CPA, for three years. David enjoyed coaching Effingham Park District flag football and was a charter member of the Little Wabash Valley Bass Masters Club, where he proudly represented Illinois on two national northern regional teams in 1985 and 1990. He was also a member of the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers, holding several local offices and serving as state treasurer for 20 years, earning the title of Statewide Member of the Year in 1996. A devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Effingham, David volunteered his time to various parish activities and also at the Silk Purse Thrift Store. David loved and supported his children and grandchildren in all of their extra curricular activities. He traveled all over to cheer on everyone. Dave was a loyal fan of Chicago Bears and the St Louis Cardinals despite his children’s love for the Chicago Cubs. Also, his love for fishing was spread wide in the community by organizing and supporting Bassmasters C.A.S.T for Kids program, hosting the annual Spring bass tournaments and Thursday Night Bass tournaments at Lake Sara. David also loved organizing and working the Christmas Tree Drop at Lake Sara. On Friday afternoon as he traveled to one of his favorite places, the casino, he said his greatest accomplishment was getting to meet and love on his great grandson, RJ.

David is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Kim (Mike Hutson) Mills of Effingham,and Michael of Wilmette, IL; grandchildren, Dylan of Effingham, and Marci (Sean) McShane of Naperville, IL; great-grandson, Robert James “RJ” McShane; sister, Alyson Tabot of Brookfield, CT, and special feline friend, Ms. Blue.

David was preceded death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Marcella Breiner; sister-in-law Ruth Cook; brothers-in-law Jim Cook and Michael Tabot.