David J. Childers

David J. Childers, 86, of Wakeman, died Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He was born February 23, 1924 in Cherryville, NC and had been a Wakeman resident for the past 58 years moving from Oberlin. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. David worked for Bendix Westinghouse as a machinist for 30 years retiring in 1979. He also worked as a bar tender for many years at Presti's of Oberlin. He was a member of Henrietta United Church of Christ and AMVETS Post # 22. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and bird watching. One of his greatest accomplishments was the renovation of an 1884 schoolhouse, which he turned into his home. He is survived by his son David (Nancy) Childers, Jr. of Vermilion; 4 daughters: Sharon (Lloyd) Schrader of Amherst, Joyce Daugherty of Oberlin, Barbara (Bruce) Colbert of Oberlin, and Cyndie (Rick) Taylor of Highland, Il; 9 grandchildren: Charlie, Joy, Amy, Bruce, Ben, Chris, Tom, Nicole and Laura; brother, Bill Kenan of Raleigh, NC and sisters, Doris Russ of Wilmington, NC and Ann Russ of Greensboro, NC. . He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia (nee Knisely) Childers in 1998, a son, Jim Gutman in 2005; his mother, Annie B. Childers; a sister, Melba Herring and brothers, Emerson Kenan and Harlee Kenan. The family will receive friends Friday, October 08, 2010 from 4- 6 pm and 7 -9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street Vermilion Ohio. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Riddle Funeral Home. The Reverend Paul Eaton will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to Henrietta United Church of Christ, 52861 Garfield Road, Wakeman, Ohio 44889. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.