Donald (Donnie) Lynn Childers

sing because I am happy, I sing because I am free, His Eye is on the sparrow, and I know He’s watching me…. Donald (Donnie) Lynn Childers, age 62, was called home to be with his Savior on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Atkins, Arkansas.

Donnie set the precedent of the positive effect he would have on family and friends with his arrival on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1959. He was born to Kewen Clayton and Margaret Verlyne (Tarpley) Childers of Ulysses, Kansas, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.

Donnie was known for his infectious smile and laughter. He carried this throughout his entire life. He never knew a stranger and always enjoyed singing Hymns that his dear friend and neighbor, Linda Neidert-Rexroat, taught him. Donnie enjoyed bowling and socializing with others at the bowling alley in Ulysses. Donnie worked with Terry Stuart at the Grant County Recreation Center for over 30 years. He was recognized repeatedly including a memorial bench and cornerstone at the Terry Stewart Building in the Grant County Recreation complex.

Later, Donnie moved to Russellville, Arkansas, where he spent the remainder of his life attending First Freewill Baptist Church of Russellville and working for Star Industries.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; and two brothers, Orville Wayne Childers of Waukegan, Illinois, and Stanley Richard Childers of Haysville, Kansas.

Survivors include his sister, Mora Jean (Childers) Hammer of Russellville, Arkansas; brother, Dale Leon Childers and wife Lanna of Ulysses, Kansas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Help us celebrate his joyous life by attending his life stream celebration service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Shinn Chapel in Russellville, Arkansas, with Reverend Joel Lauckner officiating.

A graveside memorial service will be held Friday, April 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas, with Reverend Kelly Gindlesberger officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant County Recreation in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.