Class of 1917

Arch Jean Mills

September 21, 1898 – May 23, 1925

Saturday morning, May 23rd, the sad news was flashed to Perry from Alburqurque, New Mexico, of the death of a popular Perry boy, Arch Mills.

In 1922 Arch went to New Mexico for the benefit of his health, expecting to be able to come home in a short time. It was thought lately that he would soon be able to return when Sunday, May 17th, a message was sent to his parents to come to New Mexico at once. He died the following Saturday. however, his loving father and mother were at the bedside when the end came.

Archie was born Sept. 21, 1898, at Burlington, Kansas, and moved to Perry with his parents in 1899 and has lived here ever since.

He enlisted in the World War April 20, 1917, the same year he received his diploma from Perry high school. His class left an empty chair for him in the graduation exercises, as they felt it was just the same as if he were here, for he was away helping to fight the foe for the ones left behind. During the war he was engaged on the U.S. Destroyer “Hanley,” in convoy work.

Arch was a great lover of music playing several different instruments, achieving his music ability from the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Academy. He also finished on the piano. A motto his mother gave to him which he was very partial to was: “For when the One Great scorer comes to write against your name, He writes not that you won or lost; but how you played the game.” This motto he kept in mind for he felt that he had not won or lost but played the game.

The body was brought to Perry for burial where it lay in state until Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock when funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church by Rev. Thomas after which the Masonic Lodge took charge and the funeral cortege proceeded to Grace Hill cemetery here after the saying of the beautiful Masonic funeral ceremony the remains of the loved one was placed to rest.

The church rostrum and casket were laden with beautiful flowers and handsome floral designs, the last mute sad offerings of respect to his legion of friends. An unusual mark of respect was shown the memory of Arch in that most every one attended the funeral.

Besides his parents who mourn his loss, he leaves a host of dear friends who miss him greatly as Arch was loved and admired by all who knew him.