Arthur E. Mills, 87, of Carlisle, passed peacefully on August 4 after a long illness.

Mr. Mills was born in Boston on September 21, 1929, and was the only child of the late Arthur and C. Belle (Bacon) Mills.

He was raised in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School, Class of 1947. He was a talented trumpet player and played with the school's regular band and dance band. He also excelled in swimming and achieved the level of Shark at the local YMCA. Mr. Mills was active in the youth group at Somerville West Baptist Church and volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader.

An Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, Mr. Mills served in Germany from June of 1951 until May of 1953. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

After his discharge, he attended Northeastern University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He had worked for Sealtest Dairy prior to his time in the service and returned to the company following his graduation. He eventually left to work for Borden, Inc. In the interim, he continued his education, completing his MBA at Northeastern. He retired from Borden as production controller in 1994.

A Carlisle resident since 1959, Mr. Mills was very active in the community. He was a member of the Corinthian Lodge A.F. & A.M. Concord, Treasurer of Carlisle Congregational Church for 31 years, a member and Treasurer of the Carlisle Historical Society, a Past Treasurer of the Carlisle Democratic Town Committee and Past Master of the former Carlisle Grange.

He was the husband of the late Betty L. (Medeiros) Mills, who died in 1970.

Mr. Mills is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virginia Lee "Ginny" (Wilkie) Mills, his son, Arthur "Andy" Mills and his wife, Kim of Leominster, 4 grandchildren, Megan, Mitchell, Kylie and A. J., and 2 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Carlisle Congregational Church, 147 School St., Carlisle, on Wed., Aug. 9, at 10:00 A.M. Visitation at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Tues., Aug. 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carlisle Congregational Church, P.O. Box 191, Carlisle, MA 01741 or to the Carlisle Historical Society, P.O. Box 703, Carlisle, MA 01741.