Gary Dean Childers

MAKANDA - Gary Dean Childers passed away on March 30th, 2024. Gary was born in Sterling Illinois to Basil and Lena (Littlejohn) Childers. Gary married Richadene Lence Sept 13th, 1954, in Cleveland Ohio. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage.

Together they had four children. Curtis (wife Sandy) of Cobden Illinois. Connie Cooley (husband Kem) of Muscle Shoals Alabama. Lorie Childers of Cobden Illinois and Monte (wife Jennifer) also of Cobden Illinois. 

He had 13 grandchildren: Quentin, Shawn, Teresa, Shayn, Marissa, Chase, Hallee, Cayden, Maddye, Hannah, O’Dellon, Kalena and Jace. He also had 7 great-grandchildren.

Gary lived a very full and active life in Makanda Illinois, for 83 years.

His life’s work was as a Journeyman Electrician. He loved to drive us through Carbondale area and say, “I wired that building.”

In his early years, he was known as a heck of a great Boy Scout leader. Many boys, now older men would tell you he was a task master. If they earned a merit badge, it would be because they earned it. No Scout ever called him Gary. To this day, he is always Mr. Childers.

Family vacations were spent in canoes, in lakes and our favorite, Current River.

In later years he became the founder of the Poplar Camp Touring bike club. He spent many years riding his bike all around his beloved Southern Illinois. His favorite rides were the “ride to eat” variety. He was especially proud of riding several century rides in Arthur Illinois. His collection of t-shirts was a documentation of his riding accomplishments.

Gary’s greatest love was playing music. He played the guitar for many years keeping rhythm for Monte as he played his fiddle. Later, he started a band he named the Blackberry Blossoms. For several years he happily played his mandolin and his harmonica. Friendships with band members was something he held tight to. In fact, one band member said she is still using some of his bad jokes! He and his brother Jackie found a kinship that their difference in age had not allowed before. 

After suffering a stroke, he relocated to Muscle Shoals Alabama. The director of the assisted living commented, “Your dad brought music back to the center.” 

Even in the last moments of his life he was trying to bring his hand up as if to play his harmonica. A friend commented, “There is Bluegrass in Heaven, Bill took it there years ago!” 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Lena Childers, His brother, Jackie Childers, Daughter-in Law Sandra Childers, and Grandson Shayn Cooley.

A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at SICC Youth Camp, 295 Youth Rd in Makanda, Illinois, from 4pm to 8pm.  A light meal will be served.