Melvin J. Childers, aged 88, of Magnolia, passed away on December 22, 2024. He was born on October 23, 1936, in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, to the late William Richard Childers and Louise Mullins Childers Webb. Melvin's life was marked by his deep commitment to his family. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Melvin joined the United States Air Force in 1954, where he received vocational training.  Upon leaving the Air Force he entered into the plumbing trade, working from 1958 to 2008. Upon retirement he focused on staying busy outside and engaging in numerous projects involving the use of his beloved tractor.

Melvin married his Jr. High sweetheart, Freda Lee Sias Childers on December 16, 1955.  They were married for 66 years at the time of Freda's passing in January of 2021.  They met in the 8th grade. She thought he was cute, so to gain his attention, she slapped his back as he was standing in front of his locker and she was passing by. While Freda insists it was his "back" she tapped, Melvin liked to tell a slightly different story!  Eventually, they were separated by Freda moving to Detroit, MI and Melvin going to Korea where he was stationed with the Airforce. When he returned home, he took a bus several hours, and then walked more than 8 miles in the rain to "call on her." Melvin was very clear with his intentions! After that they wrote love letters and became engaged. When he returned on leave in December, they were married.

Melvin and Freda began their family in 1957 in Maryland, living in both Riverdale and Lanham, where all five of their children were born.  In 1976, after reading about a housing boom in Houston, Texas, Melvin and Freda packed up the family and home of 17 years and moved to Magnolia, Texas.  Melvin fulfilled a lifelong dream of buying five acres, a tractor and a horse. Melvin and Freda's children got a very quick education in "farm life" during which the family raised their own meat and vegetables, kept chickens and all of the other fun elements of a small family farm life. Melvin eventually went to work for Chaparral Plumbing in Houston where he spent nearly thirty years until his retirement.

Melvin was quick-witted and was always writing jokes. He loved a great party and in the early years of his growing family,  often had friends over for making music around the fire pit. In the 70's he played harmonica for a Gospel Band, "The Believers," and also enjoyed playing the guitar. While he loved all music, Bluegrass was his favorite. In 1976 he bought a CB Radio for those long work commutes from Magnolia to Houston. His handle was the Foggy Mountain Breakdown (his beloved favorite bluegrass tune). He had many "radio wave" friends and acquaintances in those early days on the roads of Magnolia and Tomball.

Melvin was always the life of the party. Even in his later years he enjoyed emailing his children the jokes he wrote and in his final days he continued to light up the room and bring a smile to the faces of his caregivers and children. Melvin was a gifted writer and occasionally wrote letters to local newspapers and news outlets, and was often published. He had an affinity for news and politics, which influenced one of his children to become a journalist.  He was incredibly hard working and modeled a stellar work ethic, rarely missing a day of work even when ill. He believed if you weren't early, you were late.  He worked six days a week, often ten hours a day. He was fiercely committed to providing for his family.

Melvin was a good neighbor, supporting others by mowing their fields or grading the dirt road. When the floods came (which they often did), he would boat his neighbors and children safely over Lake Creek to catch the bus or get to appointments.  Two of his grandchildren were born during floods, and he promptly delivered Freda to the dry side of the creek so she could get to her newborn grandbabies.

Melvin and Freda modeled a life of generosity, taking in extended family members and even neighbors' children, caring for them for months at a time. Their table was always open to anyone needing a meal and they taught their children the importance of caring for others.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Freda (1939 - 2021) and his daughter Janice (1957- 2008), his father Richard Williiam Childers (1948), his mother Lousie Mullins Childers Webb (1998), step-father Howawrd Webb (1989),  siblings Alfred Childers, Russell Childers, Richard Childers, Jr., Doris Childers Remy,  and Patty Webb Blake.  He is survived by his children and their spouses:  Sandy Childers Sullivan and Randy Sullivan of Grapevine, Texas, Patrick Dale Childers of Magnolia, Texas, Natalie Ann Childers Jager and Todd Jager of San Diego, CA; Frederick Melvin Childers and Allison Childers of Baton Rouge, LA, and his grandchildren;  Ronnie Jester Jr., Natalie Hollis, Leeah Childers, Travis Childers, and Quinn Jager, and his great grandchildren Astrid, Atticus, Mason and Mia, his step grandchildren Becky and Rasty, and his step-great grandchildren Chianne and Milton, and his siblings Debbie Webb Jones of Ashland, KY, Kenny Webb of Southpoint, OH, Tommy Webb of Illinois, and Bobby Webb of Southpoint, OH.

Melvin's family would like to thank you for your words of encouragement and the outpouring of prayers during this season of his sunset.  To remember him, never forget to love laughter; laugh loudly and laugh often!  Melvin believed in Proverbs 17:22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine!"

Funeral Services will be held at Klein Funeral Home on Friday, January 3. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Chapel Service at 10:00 a.m., followed by Melvin's interment.

Please join us for lunch to continue to celebrate and remember Melvin at Deacon Baldy's- 5447 FM 1488, Magnolia. Lunch will be served by Raise Pizza & Eats. Please tell the proprietor you are with the Childers party when you place your order and look for us at the picnic tables. We hope to see you there.