Howard Childers, resident of Ponca City, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at Ponca City Medical Center. He was 85.

The service will be held at 10 a.m. at Kildare Baptist Church with the Rev. Guy Fox officiating, and the Rev. Dennis Wildman assisting. Burial will then follow at the Newkirk Cemetery in Newkirk. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Howard was born Aug. 12, 1924, to Claude Childers and Winnie Yates in Doddridge County, W.Va. He was married to Rhea Childers on Sept.7, 1942. He worked as power plant foreman for Bureau of Indian Affairs at Chilocco Indian School. He then worked at and retired from First Baptist Church of Ponca City.

He was an active member of Kildare Baptist Church and served as a deacon and Sunday school director until his death.

As a World War II veteran he served honorably in the European Theater with the 82nd Airborne and will be buried with full military honors.

He is survived by his wife Rhea Childers of the home; daughter, Ann Thorpe of Ponca City; sons, Mark Childers and wife Audrey of Ponca City and Paul Childers and wife Sherri of Waynoka; and daughter-in-law, Isabella Childers of Woodbridge. Va.

He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Vickie Thorpe, Mark Thorpe, Melissa Miller, Josh Childers, Joe Childers, Tony Childers, Zack Childers, Jesse Childers, David Childers, Kourtney Childers, Kolton Childers, Starsky Martinez, and Martina Martinez; six great-grandchildren, Brooke, Tylar, Levie, Conner, Parker and Madison; and great, great-grandchild Ryleigh.

He is preceded in death by two sons, David and Bob; one granddaughter Lisa; six sisters, Pearl, Madylin, Opal, Pauline, Virginia and Mary; and three brothers, Alton, George and Charles.

Casket bearers will be grandsons Mark, Josh, Joe, Tony, Zack and Jesse.

Honorary casket bearers will be grandson, Kolton, great-grandchildren Tylar, Levie, Conner and Parker.

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