Donald Rex Childers

Donald Rex Childers, age 76 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015, at Villa Marie Skilled Nursing Facility. He was born May 24, 1939, in Gans, Okla., to Orval and Hazel (Springwater) Childers. Rex was a 1957 graduate of Gans High School, and went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Science from Northeastern State University in 1961. Rex received his doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 1967. Dr. Childers practiced Optometry throughout Northeastern Oklahoma for 35 years. Rex also taught at both Central High school and Muldrow High School in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. He enjoyed coaching girl's high school basketball at those schools. He moved to the central Missouri area four years ago to be closer to family. During his free time, he enjoyed photography and coaching his daughters' softball teams when they were younger. Survivors include: one son, Donald Childers II (wife Elizabeth) of Tulsa, Okla.; two daughters, Kimberlee Christian (husband Curt) of Falls Church, Va. and Tessa Charles of Palm Springs, Calif.; one brother, Kenneth Childers (wife Doris) of Siloam Spring, Ark.; six grandchildren, Jared Cluck of Kansas City, Mo., Thomas Cluck of Falls Church, Va., Benjamin Cluck of Falls Church, Va., Jordan Christian of Falls Church, Va., Aulton Childers of Tulsa, Okla., and Madelyn Childers of Tulsa, Okla.; a close friend, Mary Faerber of Jefferson City, Mo.; and numerous friends in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Rex was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Ruth Moore. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015. Private graveside services and interment will be held at Sallisaw City Cemetery in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com