Leo Simpson Childers

Leo Simpson Childers, 94, of Jonesboro passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018. He was born on October 11, 1923 in Ripley, Mississippi to Elmer and Emma Childers. He lived most of his life in Memphis but has been a resident of Jonesboro for the last eleven years.Leo was a WWII veteran who served as a Marine Corp Sergeant, 2nd Division in the Pacific campaign in Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. He was part of the occupational forces in Japan and Hiroshima after the nuclear bombing. Leo’s twin brothers, Honald and Donald Childers also served in the military during WWII.Leo served as a Deacon at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis. He also was in the Civic Club where he received the Man of the Year Award. Leo was a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Leo retired from Kroger’s of Memphis in 1987. He was manager of the first Kroger seafood department in Memphis.Leo loved to fish and work in his garden. He loved sharing his experiences during the war while smoking his pipe on his front porch. He loved his family and loved sharing John 3:16 with anyone that visited him.Survivors include; one son: Chris Childers (Judy) of Jonesboro; one sister: Joyce Zellner of Marietta, Georgia; five grandchildren: Hope Tyler (Zack) of Jonesboro, Christopher Childers of Memphis, Dustin Childers (Jill) of Louisville, Aaron Yearta (Beth) of Jonesboro, and Philip Yearta (Amanda) of Jonesboro; twelve great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.Leo was preceded in death by; his wife of 72 years: Charlene Childers; his parents: Elmer and Emma Childers of New Albany, Mississippi; twin brothers: Honald Childers and Donald Childers; two sisters: Corene Horton and Mavis Pannell.A military service will be held at the Shepherd’s Heart Church, 3226 Highway 351, Jonesboro on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Bro.James Strait officiating.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shepherd’s Heart Church, P. O. Box 19223, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403.