Larry Joe Childers, 82, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, December 7, 2024.

      Born on September 23, 1942, at the Clay County Hospital in Flora, Larry was the son of Oscar and Laurel Marie (Webster) Childers. Born prematurely, he was brought home from the hospital in a shoebox, with a head so small it could fit into a teacup. On December 23, 1962, he married Alice Elaine Thomas at the First Church of God, and together they built a life of love and commitment.

      Larry graduated from Flora High School in 1961. As a young man, he helped his father at the Sinclair Gas Station at the West Y in Flora. He spent 15 years farming the family land in Bible Grove and Wakefield and later carried the mail for 35 years. Alongside his postal career, he owned and operated Creative Gifts & Flowers for 35 years before retiring.

      For 62 years, Larry and Alice were dedicated members of the Flora First Methodist Church, where he also served as janitor for several years. He was active in the community as a member of the Flora Odd Fellows, Masonic Lodge, and Lions Club. For half a century, Larry was a representative of Banker’s Advertising, offering pens, calendars, and countless personalized promotional items.

      Larry will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind-hearted man. In his later years, he cherished phone calls and visits from his good friends, enjoying conversations about current events and cherished memories from the past.

      He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice Childers of Flora; children, Nancy (Jeff) Dehart and Randy Childers, both of Flora; a granddaughter, Katy (Nathan) Smith, also of Flora; and two great-grandchildren, Lucy and Oliver Smith. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Beverly Childers of Flora and Joyce Childers of Colorado; three brothers-in-law, Jimmie (Della) Thomas of Clay City, Sherman Thomas of Flora, and Ellory (Marie) Thomas of Louisville; as well as several nieces and nephews.

      Larry was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Norma (Edwin) Henson and Rosemary (Merle) Elmore; three brothers, Robert Childers, Charles Childers, and infant Webster Leroy; his father- and mother-in-law, Kerney and Alice Thomas; and 10 brothers- and sisters-in-law: Clifford Thomas, Genelle (Pearl) Henderson, John (Pud) Thomas, Tommie (Maxine) Thomas, Betty Thomas, Halene Boudreau, Lela (Albert) Michels, Joyce (Elmo) Powell, Wesley Hickenbottom, and Patty Thomas.

      A funeral service to honor Larry’s life will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Pastor Mark Smith officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.

      Memorial donations are suggested for an education fund for Lucy and Oliver Smith and will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, please visit www.frankandbright.com