In Memoriam: Mr. Paul B. Mills, 10th-degree Grand Master of AKKI
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Paul B. Mills, a martial arts luminary, mentor, husband, father and friend, on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Paul, born on March 1, 1947, in Salt Lake City, to Jack “Dub” W. Mills and Zina “Tanny” Whitney Mills, boasted a rich lineage tracing back to Heber C. Kimball and Orson F. Whitney, which filled him with immense pride.
Paul spent his early years growing up in Cedar City, Utah. His adventurous spirit was ignited as he explored and wandered the southern Utah desert. He started seeing the importance of being quick as he caught lizards, snakes and “gila monsters” with old shoe boxes.
After Dub’s retirement from the FBI, Paul (age 8) and his family moved back to Evanston, where they helped his grandfather, John L. Mills, develop the Dunmar Inn.
Paul loved competing, especially in basketball, where he played in the city league. Additionally, hunting and fishing became integral parts of his life. Paul was especially fond of this century-old Mills’ family tradition that his grandson, Randy, keeps alive today.
Paul learned many valuable lessons from his father’s FBI experiences dealing with criminals, such as Bugsy Seigal and others. Dub instilled in him the importance of having the first and fastest moves in life-threating situations.
Paul began looking into fast-draw shooting. His desire to hone his skills in fast-draw shooting led him to seek guidance from the late Bob Munden, “The Fastest Gun Alive.” After becoming good friends and learning as much as he could, Paul was able to break the world fast-draw record in 1971. Timing and reflexes were the key to this accomplishment, a philosophy he carried throughout his life.
Around this same time, Paul was introduced to martial arts. Under the mentorship of Mr. Ed Parker, Paul began ascending through the ranks and received his first-degree blackbelt in 1981. He became a beacon of knowledge within the IKKA (International Kenpo Karate Association). Paul traveled through Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California, meeting with different instructors and studio owners to share ideas and innovate Kenpo karate.
After the passing of his beloved master, Mr. Ed Parker, Paul and his wife, Deon, created their own association, the AKKI (American Kenpo Karate International). Mr. Mills started to travel the world and mentored countless students who sought his instruction. His Las Vegas camps at Sam’s Town became popular. His leadership played a pivotal role in expanding the AKKI and fostering a close-knit community bond with a shared passion for martial arts.
Paul is survived by his four children, Tabitha, Ryan (Jane), Jesse (Meghann) and Wesley (Stephanie), from his marriage to his first wife, Chrystanne Karn; and his daughter, McKayla (Jase), from his marriage with his cherished wife, Deon Neely Mills; his nine grandchildren, Randy, Zayden, Frankie, Jeffrey, Jacob, Charlie, Juliette, Jaze and Clara; and his great-grandchild, Jayden.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Mills; his mother, Zina Mills; his brother, John Mills; and his mother-in-law, Myrna Neely.
Mr. Paul Mills leaves behind a legacy of martial arts prowess, fast draw achievements, and a warm, family-oriented spirit. His teachings of discipline, respect, humility, and kindness continue to inspire. The void left by his passing is deeply felt by all who knew him. May his spirit rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, March 1, at Davis Middle School, 837 No Name St., in Evanston.
Funeral service will be at noon on Saturday, March 2, also at Davis Middle School.
