Robert Wayne Childers, age 90, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 26, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born April 30, 1932, in Bible Grove Township, the son of Oscar and Laurel (Webster) Childers. He was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Davis on October 17, 1954, at the Flora First Methodist Church and together they have shared 67 wedding anniversaries.
Bob was a 1950 graduate of Flora High School. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale studying agriculture while completing three years of college prior to being inducted in the Army. He served as an MP in the Army from 1953-1955. He loved the Lord and was a member of the Flora First United Methodist Church. Bob had a love for farming and had worked in the fertilizer business for a number of years. He had a great love of people and conversation, but above all he loved his family, cherishing time spent traveling with them. Bob enjoyed playing dominoes, spending time outdoors, mushroom hunting, watching birds and squirrels, and fishing in his early years. He also enjoyed watching sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. He was a member of the Flora American Legion Post 14.
He is survived by his wife: Beverly Childers of Flora; 4 children: Edith Jo Anne (Robert) Edwards of Carrollton, Virginia, Laura Mae (Floyd) Ervin of Centralia, Tracey Lynne (Jeff) Cartnal of Florissant, Missouri, and Robert Wayne (Karyn) Childers Jr. of Estes Park, Colorado; 4 grandchildren: Jonathan Edwards, Olivia Miller, Stuart Ervin, and Robert Eugene Cartnal II; a brother: Larry (Alice) Childers of Flora; a sister: Rosemary Elmore of Newton; a sister-in-law: Joyce Childers of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Charles Curtis Childers; and a sister: Norma Jane Henson.
Private family services will be held. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery will take place with the presentation of military funeral honors. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora First United Methodist Church and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com