EVANSTON — Paul Mills, who died Sunday, Feb. 18, left a legacy that will live on long after some may forget his name or what he looked like. That legacy will continue to thrive in all those he trained in the art of Kenpo karate. An enduring legacy will live in his five children and his grandchildren, whom he loved devotedly and taught the values of respect, kindness, humility and the discipline of hard work and perseverance.
Mills was born in Cedar City, Utah, where his father was an agent with the FBI. As a small boy, Paul explored the southern Utah desert catching lizards, snakes, and “gila monsters” in old shoe boxes.
When Paul’s father, Jack “DUB” Mills, retired from the FBI, the family moved to Evanston, where Dub helped his father, John L. Mills, develop and manage the Dunmar Inn.
The hotel was started by John Mills, along with the and the Dunnings and the Martins, hence the name Dunmar. John later bought his partners out. In 2006, Paul assumed ownership of the business.
Paul loved stories of the old West and imagined himself as the fastest gun in the west. As he matured into his teens that desire led him to seek out a mentor, the late Bob Munden, who was considered the fastest gun in the west at that time. He became good friends with Munden and practiced his fast-draw techniques. In 1971, Paul beat the world record and became a world champion in fast-draw shooting.
Paul had learned many valuable lessons from his father Dub’s experience working for the FBI. Dub instilled in him the importance of having the first and fastest moves in life-threatening situations. When Paul was still a young boy, Dub would teach him fast draw with his toy gun. This influenced Paul’s decision to investigate fast-draw competitions. Timing and reflexes were the key to this accomplishment and extended into his training in Kenpo karate.
During this time of quick-draw shooting, Paul made a western film called, “The Reckoning,” modeled after a Hollywood film about Wyatt Earp, starring Kurt Russell. Paul filmed many segments out at Pete’s Rock-N-Rye east of Evanston on the old highway. A friend and Kenpo student of Paul’s, Dan Selleroli, told the Herald that Paul, who portrayed Wyatt Earp in his film production, loved repeating the line from the original movie, “Tell them I’m coming, and hell’s coming with me.”
Stan Taggart, who owned and managed Pete’s at that time, often said that his hearing loss was due to Paul shooting his gun off in the bar while making the film.
In 1966, Paul was attending Weber State College in Ogden, Utah, and began to attend karate classes at the Ed Parker Kenpo Karate Studio under the tutelage of Terry Arnell. Soon, Paul traveled to Pasadena, California, to train with Ed Parker himself. Parker was a famous Kenpo karate instructor who taught Bruce Lee, Elvis Presley and other major Hollywood stars.
Under Parker’s tutelage, Paul soon earned his first-degree black belt. Parker and Mills remained good friends until Parker’s death. Parker would often refer to Paul as his “secret weapon.” Parker would come often to Evanston to tutor students. During the ’60s, Paul and Kay Fackrell were among the first students in the original karate dojo in Evanston.
Paul went on to earn a 10th-degree black belt. He became a mentor and guide, instilling values of discipline, respect, humility and kindness in the countless students who sought his instruction.
Paul started teaching Kenpo karate in the basement of his home in the 1970s. Selleroli and Mark Keller were two of Paul’s first students. Keller went on to become a Kenpo karate instructor himself in 1997 and has practiced the martial art for 40 years.
The Herald interviewed Keller and Selleroli, who both spoke fondly of their former teacher and friend. Both said what made Paul different and a better instructor was his attention to detail and precision.
“If you look up the word, ‘perfection’ in the dictionary,” Keller said, “there will be a photo of Paul next to it. However, when it came to being on time, Paul was always late. When anybody would ask where Paul was, we would say he was on Kenpo time.”
Selleroli and Keller said Paul would use his students to demonstrate moves and kicks. Paul became known to his students as “The Smiling Guillotine.” They said you never wanted to see him get mad because “his face would turn red and the look he would give could suck your soul out.”
Selleroli and Keller said they had T-shirts made with a rat in a karate suit on it and the words “Lab Rats” printed on it. They wore the shirts to class and they said Paul laughed and told them to get a bunch made up to sell.
Wes Mills, Paul’s son, said, “My grandfather Dub would always say to his kids, ‘Pay attention to detail and anticipate the situation.’ My dad, Paul, had so much energy, and he channeled it into karate. Even our family vacations centered around karate. We kids would wander the halls of hotels waiting for Dad to be done with his karate so we could have fun.”
Wes said his dad loved to be busy: he planted an entire forest of trees near their home, reloaded ammo, was an avid fisherman and hunter and he loved gathering big rocks. He had a great sense of humor, but you never knew if he was joking or not, Wes said.
When asked how long Paul continued with Kenpo karate, his daughter, Tabitha Mills said, “He never quit. Dad was still doing karate with his hands, two days before he died.”
During the more than 50 years Paul practiced and taught Kenpo, he traveled throughout Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California, meeting with different instructors and studio owners to share ideas and innovate Kenpo karate. Countless students benefited from Paul’s training and his passion for karate.
After the passing of his beloved master, Ed Parker, Paul and his wife, Deon, created their own association, the American Kenpo Karate International (AKKI). Paul traveled all over the world, mentoring countless students. He held annual karate camps in Las Vegas, which became very popular.
Paul was a true family man and would give each of his children and grandchildren special time and dedication. His love for Christmas was literally celebrated every day. If anyone entered Paul and De’s house at any time of the year, they would see Christmas decorations that were never taken down. The Christmas tree lights were turned on every day of the year. Paul wanted his children and grandchildren to think his house was magical.
Paul and his first wife, Chrystanne Karn, had four children together: Tabitha, Ryan, Jesse and Wesley. The couple later divorced.
In 1994, Paul married Deon Marie Neely and they had a daughter, Mykayla.
Paul is included in a book of essays titled, “The Journey: The Oral Histories of 24 of the most proficient American Kenpoists of Today,” which was published in 2001.
In his personal essay, Paul wrote, “I believe that my physical, mental, and spiritual qualities have grown throughout my journey in Kenpo. I feel I have always been a caring person with a strong devout faith. Moreover, I believe that having a loving and close family helps balance out my life and my chosen life’s work teaching Kenpo, and I feel blessed by all of my family members who have given me such overwhelming and continuous support throughout my lifetime.”
Continuing later in his essay, Paul expressed his appreciation to his wife, Deon. “Her wonderful spirited personality and positive attitude contribute immensely to the success of the AKKI. She is truly the ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’
The following came from Paul’s children:
“Remembered for his martial arts and fast-draw achievements, Paul Mills was equally celebrated for his gracious spirit and wisdom. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and the void left by his passing is deeply felt within the AKKI community and beyond. In honoring Paul Mills, the martial arts world mourns the loss of an iconic figure, a mentor and a friend. May his indomitable spirit rest in eternal peace, and may his teachings perpetually guide and inspire us all.”
