Dick Childers, 81, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away Thursday, August 30, 2018 in Greenwood. He was born July 21, 1937 in Evansville, Arkansas to Howard and Alma Childers. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Mac, Jack and Gregg and a sister, Geneva Keene. He enjoyed making music, singing and playing the guitar and fiddle. He was known as the “Whistler” as he had a very unique style of whistling that everybody loved. He also enjoyed woodworking. He made custom cradles for both granddaughters, made lamps, clocks and carved a variety of pieces. He was a Christian, U. S. Air Force veteran, 32nd degree Mason and past president of the Bi-State Fiddler Association and retired from Fab Tech, Inc. in Van Buren as a tool and die maker.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlene; two sons, Ted Childers and wife, Leigh of Greenwood and Michael Childers and wife, Kelli of Greenwood; two granddaughters, Meagen Piroutek and Cassidy Childers, both of Greenwood; one great grandson, Harrison Piroutek of Greenwood; one sister, Wanda Blanchfill and husband, Bob of Fort Smith and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 5 at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Special thanks to the Pink Bud Nursing Center Staff and Dr. Leon Barnes and the Peachtree Hospice Staff.
