Melvin B. Childers, age 83 of Clinton, Missouri passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. Melvin wishes were to be cremated with no services at this time. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Melvin was born in Henry County, Missouri, the son of Audie Otto and Augusta May Childers. Melvin grew up during the depression and hunted and fished, both as a hobby and to put food on the table. Melvin retired from the Air Force, the U. S. Postal Service and from farming, during which he lived in five different countries and visited many more. He had lived in or visited all but a handful of States. During his life, Melvin served during two wars and received the Bronze Star of Valor. Melvin lived on the family farm that was given to his family during the James Buchanan Presidency on May 1, 1857. He particularly enjoyed his sweet corn business and the friends and acquaintances he made and renewed each season.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Geraldine Hotsenpiller and one brother, Dennis Childers.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marian Ruth (Powers) Childers; his daughter, Lola Lewis of Clinton; two sons, Boyd Childers and wife, Marla of Lee's Summit, Missouri and Gary Childers and wife, Elaine of Clinton; two sisters, Verna Quattlebaum of Clinton and Lois Buchanan of Springfield, Missouri; three brothers, Carroll Lon Childers of Peoria, Illinois, Eldon Duane Childers of Windsor, Missouri and Calvin Childers of Clinton as well as two grandchildren, Sadie Lewis of St. Louis, Missouri and Nick Childers and wife, Julie of Clinton and one great grandson, Benjamin Childers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton.