Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Sills, O. C. February 13, 2005 ********************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm ********************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com February 17, 2005, 12:23 pm The Bakersfield Californian O. C. Sills 9/19/1916 - 2/13/2005 Services: Fri., Feb. 18, 11 a.m. O. C. Sills passed away peacefully on February 13, 2005, surrounded by his loving family. With his passing, Kern County lost a beloved and respected former director of the Department of Human Service. O. C. was born in Louisiana on September 19, 1916 to Charles and Rosa Sills. By the age of 22 he had completed 4 years in the U.S. Marines and earned a BA from Northwestern State University, LA. He finished his Masters in Social Work in 1940 from LSU. He then launched his career as a social worker. Mr. Sills distinguished military career included service in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. During WWII he served in the Asiatic Pacific and the Liberation of the Philippines. He served as an officer on the USS Haggard and was awarded numerous citations including the Bronze Star. Mr. Sills considered it an honor to have served his country. After the Korean War he worked in the LA Welfare System, rising to the position of State Director of Welfare Services. He was later appointed by the Governor to Director of Louisiana State Institutions. In 1965 Mr. Sills was appointed Kern County Human Services Director. During his tenure as Director he was widely recognized and respected for his excellent leadership and organizational skills. He served as the President of the County Welfare Directors Association of California in 1969. He was known for his concern for both the welfare of his clients and how taxpayer dollars were spent. Under direction, the Department earned a widespread reputation for efficiency and thoroughness. In 1971 he was appointed to a committee advising Governor Reagan about his controversial Welfare-Revision Program. During the same year, he received a commendation from the Governor as well as an award minimizing errors in applications for welfare and food stamps, and was recognized as Boss of the Year by the American Business Womens Association. Mr. Sills retired at the age of 73, after nearly 26 years as head of Kern Countys Welfare Department. Until he became physically unable, he enjoyed working in his large vegetable garden and was known for his tomatoes. Until his death he resided in his home with his loving wife, Shirley. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Shirley; children, Robert Sills and Gayle McNutt of Bakersfield and Vicki Haentjens of Pismo Beach; one sister, Corinne Strickland of Louisiana; and grandchildren, Lisa Nichols, Jason McNutt and Ashley Lomas of Bakersfield, Loy Johnson of Oregon, Erin Marina and Cristina Haentjens of Pismo Beach. He was predeceased by two children, Dr. Michael Sills and Nancy Johnson. Visitation will be Thursday, February 17th from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Southwest. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, February 18, at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, followed by graveside services at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Ln. A reception will then be held at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 2216 17th St. Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary Funeral Directors Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/gob5691sills.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/ File size: 3.8 Kb