Ernest 'Ernie' Childers

ERNEST ERNIE E. CHILDERS Ernest Ernie E. Childers, 78, of Oakwood, passed away at 9:45 a.m. Monday, March 7th, 2011 at VA Illiana Medical Center in Danville. Ernie was born on December 28th, 1932, in Abingdon, Virginia, the son of William Jennings and Nora Ethel (Pippin) Childers. He was previously married to Marie OKeefe. She survives. He is also survived by one daughter- Brenda Richards of Westville and her three siblings- Michael (Alma) OKeefe of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Kathy (Larry) Morgan of Danville and Linda (Scott) Cook of Danville; one brother- Abby (Retta) Childers of Westville; granddaughter- Emily Hearnley; best friend- John Watson of Catlin; He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, five brothers- James Childers, Howard Childers, Cecil Childers, Raleigh Childers and Lee Childers. Ernie attended high school in Paris, Illinois. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1957 and later served from 1958 to 1960, stationed during that time in Germany. Ernie worked as a millwright at General Motors and later worked as an iron worker. After working as an iron worker he owned and operated Ernies Tap in Danville. Ernie enjoyed gardening, mushroom hunting, going to auctions and spending time with his family. A Celebration of the life of Ernest Ernie E. Childers will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12th, 2011 at Sunsets Oakwood Chapel, a Life Celebration Home. Burial will follow the service in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the VA Palliative Care Unit. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.