Dear Dad
I"m so glad that you were my father.
You gave me a wonderful childhood and prepared me to lead a happy life.
You were always there for all of us leading by example. 
You taught me how to be a man, a Husband, and a father. 
When mom got sick you were by her side night and day until the very end.
You were always there for all of us, and now that you're not here the world seems less safe without you.
I hope to be as good a man, a husband and a father as you were.
I'll love and remember you always.
Pete

My Dad was born on November 18, 1928.  This is the same day and year that Mickey Mouse was born.  The significance in this is that both have made the world a better place.  Dad made many people smile and laugh just as Mickey has done and still does.
Dad was a very lucky man, as he met his soul mate in my Mom, Peggy.  They married in 1953 and began a life that many envied as they made it look so easy.  
Of course everyone has a mother and father, but Tim, Steve (Pete) and I were given so much more.  We were given a Father, a Daddy, a teacher, a mentor and a FRIEND.  I can only hope as I am sure Tim and Steve do that we were as good of a role model to our own kids that he was to us and his grandkids. One of his "lessons" to us was "can't never could".  He believed in us when we sometimes didn't believe in ourselves.   
 Dad lived every minute of his life to the fullest.  It was very rare not to see a smile on his face.   He became a grandfather in 1984. He has 6 grandkids and one great grandchild, Evan.  
In 1988 my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer.  I think that was the first time I ever saw my Dad shaken to the core.  He cared for her and was with her every step of the way.  Even when things were looking pretty bad, he gave her a gift of two watches.  One was for her the other for him and he told her that was for all the time they have together.   He was always thinking about everyone else first.  Not only was he smart and good hearted, he was funny too.  He had all the qualities that every parent and child would be proud of.  Once my Mom died, it seemed as though my Dad was broken, he put on a good face, but you could see the hurt in his eyes.  He then found Cajun dancing which I still say saved his life.  He met lots of friends and got back to living every day to the max.  He would go dancing at Mulatte's and bring a back pack filled with goodies.  He would give the tourist fans and tell them they have become a member of "Art's fan club".  He recorded music and when a tourist would dance a dance to a specific song and tell him they loved the song, he gave them a CD he made with that song on it. He was always thinking of how to make a person's day brighter. 
A few years after he began dancing he met Joan.  They hit it off and have been together now for 14 years.  She has been a big part in taking care of him and making sure he was cared for.  
As Dad became older he became more tolerant of all people and their choices in their own lives.  He was also a very forgiving man.  He thought everyone had the right to live their own life. 
About 6 years ago my husband's brother passed away at a young age.  Of course when something like that happens it makes you think about the people and family that are still around and he (my husband, Carlos) told me that if there is anything I need to get “straight” with my Dad, I should go talk to him and let him know that I love him and am sorry for anything I did in my life that made him worry or hurt him.  I told him about a specific time I was always feeling bad about and was feeling some relief when Dad told me he didn't even remember that day!  He then told me that years ago we (Dad and me) took my grandmother to a Bingo hall.  We walked her in and made sure she got seated and he said he remembers a lady asking me what my name was and I said my name is Laura but my Daddy calls me Peaches.  As he was telling me this he got teary eyed, which of course is contagious and we laughed and have been closer for that encounter ever since. 
The expression of "after God made him he broke the mold” fits my Dad.  I don't think there was nor is anyone like him.  He taught me how to be a good parent, grandparent and good person in general. I hope I don't ever disappoint either him or my Mom!
I am so grateful God chose me to be my daddy's "Peaches".  
Thanks for everything Dad; but mostly for just being you.  I love you and will miss you forever.  
Laura Lee “Peaches” Childers Aguilar

To: Pete, Tim and Laura and all of the family.

I was saddened to learn of Art's passing (from the newspaper). Art was a pleasant and good friend. We will miss him. 

Art and I were employed by Chevron. I knew Art when he worked at the shop and then moved to the lab which reported to our department. Then later Art moved with the lab being located at Good Hope, La. I had the priviledge of visiting with Art many times at the GH lab. 

Through the years, we stayed in touch periodically via phone or e-mail. Sorry that end has come. God bless all of you.

Charlie Croley

Archie,

I will never forget the time you took to teach me and let me help you in your 
photo lab.

Sorry about being a difficult tween, I hated to see you move away.

My prayers are with you, Pete, Tim, and Laura. I feel your loss.

I think our paths may cross again, but even if they do not, Happy Destiny to all.

Out of darkness always light will shine.

Laura, Tim, Steve and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of Mr. Art! Still miss Miss Peggy too, she taught me how to crochet.
I know they will both watch over you all.

Joan,
So sorry to hear of your loss.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Brown

Artie, I have so many fond memories of childhood, visiting you, Peggy and the whole family...those were some great trips that I always looked forward to. I am only sorry that I didn't get the chance to see all of you again...but give a big hug to my mom for me ?
Cindy (Guenthner) Cannon

My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. You will all remain in my prayers and please know that God's unconditional love and peace are with Artie now!
                                                             Sincerely,
                                                             Bronwyn Kirn Myer

Joan/Laura and Family -- You have my deepest sympathy.  From the first time I met Art, I knew he was a wonderful and loving man.  May his precious memories help you through this most difficult time and may they stay in your hearts forever.  (Rose Williams)

Laura, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.

Steve, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Don & Lana Weekley

Pop it's been a great ride with you over the years. Couple things I've learned: you're reliable, you love new technology, and your wonderful personality is contagious.  I've learned so much from you. Now it's time for you to guide all of us through life and keep us going! Love ya pop u will always be missed

Words cant express what you mean to me. I have been blessed with so many memories with you that will live in my heart forever. Its hard to accept that youre not here with us anymore but I know your'e in heaven smiling down on us everyday. Give Grandma a hug for us. I love you always and forever.
R.I.P. "Pop" <3

We will miss you. May God be with you and all the family members

Tim, Shannon, Stephen and Ashley, we will all miss you. Especially the trips to Jacksonville, Ashland, Crater Lake and fishing on the Rogue River.  Your being here was sincerely appreciated and will be deeply missed.

Love, Tim, Shannon, Stephen and Ashley

Bon voyage, Art!  It was my great pleaseur to have known you and to call you my friend.  I'm sure you will be greatly missed by your family, Joan, and all who knew you. May you rest in peace.

Uncle Artie, you will be missed but not forgotten.  Hug all of our loved ones for us.  Love to you and the family.

OBITUARY

Arthur Lee Childers

November 18, 1928 – May 10, 2012

Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home

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