Richard John Childers

Richard John Childers of Palmetto, Fl passed away peacefully on 12/2/2022 surrounded by his loving family at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida. He was born in Whitman, Massachusetts on January 12th, 1938. His family moved from Massachusetts to Maine, then South to Georgia before settling in the Panhandle of Florida where he worked on fishing boats with his father and brothers. Richard joined the Marine Corp in 1956 where he became Sergeant before his transfer to the Marine Corp Reserve.

After leaving the service he met and married the love of his life- Jacqueline Gardner on December 7th,

1960, Jackie has been waiting for him to join her and be together again since her passing in 2004. They moved their growing family from California to Florida in 1965 where he worked in construction, advancing from freelance drywall to working as project manager and safety

director for several large construction companies. He was regularly active in AA, leading meetings and mentoring all that needed his guidance. Richard was a 2nd

amendment proponent, an avid collector, and a brilliant historian.

He is survived by his seven children – his four daughters Laura Stevens, Janet Bautista, Colleen Childers all of Bradenton, Jacqueline Childers of Wimauma, Fl and his three sons James Childers of Bradenton, Richard Childers of Homer, Georgia, and Patrick Childers of Palmetto Florida, 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He was the oldest of seven children and is also survived by his brother Ronnie Childers of Panama City Florida. Richard’s wishes were to be cremated. His ashes will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery with a private family service.