Herbert Gordon Mills
1930-2016
Herbert Gordon Mills, 86, passed away November 22, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. Born February 20, 1930, in San Antonio, to Eben Herbert Mills and Rose Mangold Mills, he was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rose Ann Northway, and brother Eben Mangold Mills.
Herbert graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1947 where he played football and was president of his class. In 1951 he was a proud graduate of Texas A&M where he earned his BS in Geological Engineering. His experience in the Corps of Cadets was quite memorable and very formative. He was a Ross Volunteer and Commander of the Armor-Engineer Regiment.
Following 2 years of service in the US Army, he worked for Exxon Company USA which took him from various south Texas towns to New Orleans, New York City and ultimately back to Houston. After retirement in 1987, he and his wife formed Mills Exploration. Herbert was a member of the Houston Geological Society, the AAPG and SIPES.
He was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston for 43 years. In addition to being a member of the Knights of Columbus, he found great satisfaction in volunteering in various ways through his parish and community. He enjoyed his work on the building committee for the new St. John Vianney sanctuary. Of particular note was his work with the parish school board of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, one of Houston's inner city Catholic schools.
Herbert was a proud member of the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M. For the last number of years he supported his beloved Aggies by providing Corps of Cadet scholarships to three students each year.
Herbert was known as "Skip" by many of his friends and family. He enjoyed fishing at the coast, bird hunting with his sons and his Brittany Spaniels, Peaches and Fuzz, and deer hunting, especially in Mason County where he originally learned to hunt with his father and brother. He found joy in singing with the Schola Cantorum at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Dedicated to his family, he was available to help whenever and wherever needed.
Herbert is survived by wife, Martha Bybee Mills; children Ruth and husband Mark Oordt, Herbert G. Mills, Jr., wife Cindy, and Peter B. Mills and wife Cheryl; grandchildren Andrew, Martha Rose, Carol, Ellen and Catherine Oordt; Anne Marie, Christopher and wife Andrea, Molly and Matthew Mills; Alissa Varga and Josef Varga,wife Sarah and children Charlotte and Landon; and numerous nieces and nephews.