MCLEANSBORO – Gabriel Layne Mills Lakin, 22 years old, left this Earth on his own terms on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was the proud son of Glenda Mills and Travis Lakin, whom he loved both dearly. Gabriel’s uncle, Troy Lakin; aunt, Karen Edwards (Williams); and grandparents, Bob and Susanna Mills; were also deeply involved with his life from birth. Gabriel and Zach were inseparable and nearly indistinguishable apart as children.
Gabriel had a heart for nature and the outdoors, and loved all of his animals. His passions were as limitless as his spirit. He enjoyed hiking, rock climbing, video games and had a deep love for music and an incredible talent for the piano. His musical taste was vast and diverse, spanning genres and eras, reflecting his curious and passionate spirit. He had a passion for the science of pharmacology. He was highly intelligent and knowledgeable, and loved to learn about anything. He had a dark sense of humor from his mother and loved to laugh.
Gabriel supported the fight against fascism and often trolled Nazi and homophobic groups online and in video games. Gabriel hoped for a better world though he wasn’t able to see that come about.
Though his time on this earth was far too short, Gabriel’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His memory will be honored, his love for others never forgotten.
Gabriel is survived by his parents, his little brother, Zach (Greyson) Mills-Lakin; his grandparents, Robert and Susanna Mills; great- grandmother, Katherine Lakin; his uncle, Troy (Amy) Lakin; his aunt. Monica (Thomas) Brand; aunt Karen Edwards (Williams); as well as a loving circle of friends who cherished him sincerely. He was a devoted life partner to Hannah Moore, with whom he shared five beautiful years filled with love. He is also survived by several cousins, Katie Lakin, Mason Lakin, and Alex Edwards; who he cherished dearly.
Gabriel is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Maria Brand (Williams) and Danny Lakin; his paternal great-grandfather, Jimmy Lakin; his maternal great-grandmother, Michie Sablan (Toyohara); his maternal grandfather, John Sablan, his maternal great-grandparents Glenn and Aveneal (Lynn) Mills; and uncle, Elliott Hellman.
Gabriel had a multicultural background. In accordance with Sablan family tradition, a vigil will be held at Gabriel’s home from Sunday night March 16, 2025, until Friday morning, March 21, 2025. In accordance with Mills family tradition, Friday night, March 21, 2025, will be a public wake at Harre Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Harre Funeral Home at 11 a.m. In fitting with the honorable tradition of the Toyohara family, Gabriel will be cremated and return to his mother’s and loved one’s keeping.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to UNITED 24 – The Initiative of the President of Ukraine for the humanitarian relief of the people of Ukraine and to fight against the illegal invasion of their land, something Gabriel was very passionate about and would be very honored to support. Donations in his name to animal welfare groups would also be appreciated.
Rest easy, Gabriel. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. May your spirit find peace.
The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
