Don was born on October 27, 1926, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Hortense and Lucian Childs.
After graduating from Wichita Falls High School in 1944, Don joined the US Marine Corps. He served his country from 1944 – 1954 on board the USS Cabot aircraft carrier in WW II and in Korea with Fox 2/7 (F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment) at Chosin Reservoir. The battle at Chosin Reservoir was fought over some of the roughest terrain during some of the harshest winter weather conditions of the Korean War. He proudly wore the US Marine emblem and enjoyed opportunities to reunite with his fellow Fox 2/7 Marines. Don spent the next 35 years teaching auto mechanics through a continuing education program through the University of Texas, Texas A & M, and Texas State Technical College. Don’s hobbies included tinkering with just about everything, especially antique tractors and trucks. He restored a 1947 GMC truck and several tractors. Don enjoyed riding his tractors at tractor shows around Central Texas. In 1975 Don built his own airplane and enjoyed many years of flying. Kittie Hill Airport in Leander, Texas, was a favorite hang-out for Don, where he has maintained many special friendships with other avid pilots.
Don is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen Childs and sister Ora Littlefield. He is survived by his wife, Janice R. Ruyle and her family and his brother, James L. Childs and his wife, Louise, and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks in Pflugerville. Funeral services will begin at 3:30 following the visitation. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the name of Donald L. Childs, to St. Augustine's Orthodox Church, P.O. 602, Pflugerville, Texas, 78640, or Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 99, Dripping Springs, Texas, 78620.
Please visit Don’s memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
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