Jerry "Papa Jerry" L. Childers

Jerry was born March 12, 1955 in Lincoln, IL, the son of William R. and Orma J. Harris Childers. He married Mary J. Boosinger on September 9, 1994.

Jerry proudly served in the Army National Guard as a mechanic. He then went on to be a truck driver for Donley Trucking, Inc. Jerry enjoyed scrapping, cooking Sunday brunch, gardening, fishing, tinkering with cars and his dog, Momo. He also loved to spend time with his brothers, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sylvia and Chris; and one brother, David.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Jessica Childers and Megan MacTavish; step-daughter, Sarah Head; step-son, Jimmy Hamilton; grandchildren, Abbagail Roberts, Emily Head, Lily Head, and Quinci Lynn Childers; siblings, Paul, Mary Lou, Jimmy, Becky, Billy, and Wayne; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

In honor of the loving life Jerry lived, the family will host a military memorial followed by a celebration of life, on June 14, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Tom Madonia East Part Pavilions, 405 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL.

Attached is a link to Jerry Childer’s Memorial / Celebration of Life Facebook page.

Please post here any pictures or videos you have of or with Jerry. To showcase the memories he left behind, please bring any items you had if you’d like to share the story behind it. If you would like to share a story or speech at the event, please message the family via Facebook. Jerry would love a casual event so make sure you wear your pocket T-shirts, jeans and trucker hats if you have them.The family will provide a variety of Jerry’s favorite foods but if you’d like to bring a dish, please don’t hesitate and just let the family know Make sure you bring your fishing poles and bait so we can do a last cast for him. Around sunset, we will take a cruise around the lake for Jerry’s last ride. Jerry’s dream to own a Honda Gold wing was one he never stopped talking about for as long as the family can remember. If you have one and would like to have him ride on, please let the family know. If you have a motorcycle, please bring that for the ride.

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Memorial contributions can be made to his go fund me page. https://gofund.me/776db323