Donald Ross Mills, age 83 of Salem, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023 at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri. Don was born on September 19, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, IL the son of Charles Leonard and Virginia June (Batts) Mills. He married Geraldine Leah (Webber) Mills on May 27, 1965 in Laurel, Maryland and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife, Jeri, he is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Ross Mills and wife Stephanie Marie of Layton, Utah, and Christopher Michael Mills and wife Jennybay of Olympia, Washington; grandchildren, Nathan Mills, Keeley Wilson and husband Donovan, Parker Mills and wife Riley, Peyton Mills, Hunter Mills, and Kierston Mills; five great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Michael “Mike” Mills and wife Karon; and a niece, Donna Kaye Coleman. He was preceded in death by his parents. Don was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints-Centralia Ward. Brother Mills’ ward calling was “The Candyman”. He retired after many years working for the railroad, starting with C&EI, which became Missouri Pacific and eventually Union Pacific. Don served as a volunteer fireman for over 20 years with Salem Fire Protection District. He was active in the Marion Lodge #130, Ainad Shrine, Mt. Vernon York Rite Bodies, Salem American Legion #128, Scottish Rite, Clan #39 of the Moonshiners, Ewington SAR, Sword of Bunker Hill, Salem Chapter #202 Order of the Eastern Star, and the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Don coached Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball for over 40 years. Don was also a permanent fixture at many of the Salem Community High School sporting events. Funeral services for Donald Ross Mills will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Brother Ron Ladon officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Salem with military rites by the Salem American Legion. Visitation will be held on Friday the 27th, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A Masonic service will be held at 5:00 pm, followed by a Shriners walk through prior to the visitation. Memorial donations can be made to the Salem Little League or the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem.