Larry Clarke Mills

Larry Clarke Mills, 79, of Gillette, Wyoming, died November 09, 2026, at Campbell County Memorial Hospital from complications of Lyme disease. He was born February 20, 1947, at the old hospital in Gillette, Wyoming, the oldest son of Clarke and Doris Mills, and grew up on the family ranch south of Gillette. From fourth grade on, he rode his horse to school.

Larry and Phyllis knew each other their entire lives. He liked to tell her he rocked her when she was a baby. They married on December 15, 1967, and shared nearly 59 years of marriage.

Larry gave his heart to Jesus at age 14, and his faith never wavered. He loved God, walked with God, and studied his Bible daily, often rising before 4 a.m. to read and pray for his family. He filled several Bibles with markings and notes.

Larry proudly served six years in the National Guard. He won awards on the rifle team and was known as a crack shot. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for many years.

Larry spent his life ranching and working livestock. He enjoyed shearing sheep with a crew of family and friends and loved working sheep with his Border Collies, Jess, Chip, and Nan. He learned to run two dogs at once, and his strong whistle meant he never needed a dog whistle. Chip and his horse, Kid, were his team. He was an avid hunter, especially of elk and coyotes, and could spot an arrowhead anywhere. He was happiest at home; about the only time he left the ranch was to go to church or to get parts.

He was known in the community as the man who could fix anything. A skilled craftsman who knew how to build things, he was the one neighbors turned to when something broke. He was strong and resilient, rarely asked for help but was always ready to give it, and he always put others before himself. He loved to eat, especially gooseberry pie, biscuits and gravy, and chicken-fried steak, and Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday.

Larry is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his children, David (Lee) Mills of Grover, Colorado, Amy (Dane) Clemetson of Weston, Wyoming, Gary (Trina) Mills of Gillette, Wyoming, and Rhonda (Joe) Parker of Douglas, Wyoming; 13 grandchildren (Ashley, Hannah, Wyatt, Analisa, Grant, Ella, Katie Grace, Ryan, Trevor, Molly, Garrett, Gage, and Dylan); one great-granddaughter, with a second on the way; his brothers, Bill, Joe, and Tom; and his sister, Betty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarke and Doris Mills, and his sister, Coralie.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hannah, Hailee, and Abby of Kindred Souls. Their compassionate care for Larry went far beyond a job, and they have become family.

Services will be held Friday, November 13 at 10:30 A.M. at the Family Life Church. Larry will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread on the family ranch at a later date.