ARUNDEL – Keith Allen Mills, 50, of Arundel, passed away on Sunday April 25, 2021, in Kennebunkport.
Keith was born April 10, 1971, in Biddeford to Mr. Jon A. Mills and Mrs. Sharon Langlois Mills.
He attended Biddeford High School, graduating in 1989. He then attended, Southern Maine Vocational Technical College, earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice. He furthered his education at the University of Southern Maine where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1992.
Keith started his law enforcement career as a Corrections Officer with the York County Sheriff’s department at the age of 18 and as a Reserve Officer with the Ogunquit Police Department. He then joined the Kennebunkport Police Department as Patrolman, attaining the rank of Sergeant before his retirement there after 10 years. Keith then joined the United States Secret Service as a Special Officer, working for decades as part of the protection detail for former President George H.W. Bush and most recently President George W. Bush. Keith was very active in law enforcement circles beyond the USSS, as his job as a Special Officer took him all over the country and the world. Keith was a fire arms expert and a certified rescue diver for FEMA. Keith instructed at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and with other numerous federal and local law enforcement agencies.
While Keith loved his career, it paled compared to the love he had for Evan and Avery. Keith’s off-duty time was consumed being an incredibly attentive and doting father. They were everything to him.
Keith was kind and considerate. While generally reserved, his sense of humor could either break the ice in a delicate situation or just absolutely crack up an entire room into loud laughter. He was funny, he could be a prankster sometimes, but mostly he was a voice of reason, love and caring. He mentored all that knew him in some way, though he wasn’t necessarily trying to do so. He leaves a hole in our lives that cannot be filled and he will never be forgotten. The world is a better place, as our lives are better lives, because he was in it.
Keith was also active with the American Legion in Kennebunkport, serving as Treasurer.
Keith is preceded in death by his father, Jon A. Mills.
Keith is survived by his mother, Sharon Mills of Gorham; children Evan and Avery Mills, along with their mother Ashley Padget, of Kennebunk; brother, Todd Mills and his wife Francine Alves; nephew, Zachary Mills of Gorham; special friend, Rebecca Parker and her son Parker Smith of Arundel; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; very good friends who are too numerous to count.
Visiting Hours will 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 30 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. A graveside service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday May 1 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, please visit http://www.HopeMemorial.com.
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