Rick E. Childers

MANLIUS – Rick E. Childers, 63, of Manlius, died on Monday, November 18, 2019.

A service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, Illinois. Military rites will be accorded by the Princeton Veteran’s Group. A visitation will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. prior to the service at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, Illinois.

Rick was born March 10, 1956, in Mendota, Illinois the son of Ronald and Vannie (Swanson) Childers. He married Joanna Snell on May 12, 1979, in Tiskilwa, Illinois. She survives in Manlius, Illinois.

He is also survived by two children, Kristin (Matthew) Childers-Tammen of Braidwood, Illinois and Ryan (Kayti) Childers of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren, Violet Corron and Rosalee Tammen; his mother, Vannie McVey of Manlius, Illinois; two brothers, Rand (Dina) Childers of Dixon, Illinois and Russell (Jenifer) Childers of Dixon, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death his father and one brother, Mike McVey.

He graduated from Manlius High School with the Class of 1974. Rick earned his Associates Degree in Business from Sauk Valley Community College and attended the University of Illinois. He was a welder at TCI Manufacturing in Walnut, Illinois for many years.

Rick was the Mayor of Manlius for 12 years and was on the Bureau County Board for 4 years. He was a member of the Manlius Lions Club, Modern Woodman, and was a Boy Scout Leader and Life Scout. He coached Little League. Rick enjoyed antiquing and yardwork, especially mowing. He loved music and playing guitar.

Rick was a sergeant E-5 in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Certificate of Achievement.

Memorials may be directed to Smile Train and Make A Wish Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.