Former Phillipsburg resident, Cleon R. Childs of Logan, passed away Friday, July 8, 2011 at the Logan Manor in Logan, Kansas at the age of 90.

Cleon was born October 6, 1920 in Rexford, Kansas the son of Leslie R. "Judd" and Birdie F. (Ogier) Childs. He attended school in Rexford, graduating with the class of 1938. Following high school, he worked for Foster Farms and the Kansas Highway Department until 1942 when he joined the Army. He served during WWII in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe earning Three Bronze Service Stars and a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant on February 8, 1946. Upon returning home, he again went to work for the Kansas Highway Department.

On August 31, 1947 he was united in marriage to Arlene Mallory in Gem, Kansas. To this union two children were born, Robert Michael and Laura Lea. Arlene was always the most important to him and he treated her with the utmost respect and admiration. Their unique love for one another will be cherished.

Cleon, along with his family, moved around a little. He co-owned Neighborhood Grocery in Denver from 1947-1948, worked as a herdsman for Crestview Angus Farm from 1948-1957, was the Rexford City Marshall from 1957-1958, managed Rexford Coop-Oil Company from 1958-1963, managed Dean Grain Company in Phillipsburg from 1963-1966, then went to work for Phillipsburg Coop-Oil Company, retiring December 31, 1983.

Following retirement, Cleon enjoyed tending roses in his flower garden, solving crossword puzzles, watching sports on TV, and traveling with Arlene to visit family members. However, the highlights of Cleon's later life were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved being involved in their activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Evelyn McCrary.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Arlene, of Logan; his son Robert M. "Mick" Childs and his wife Alayne of Abilene; his daughter, Laura "Lea" Zillinger and her husband, Phil of Logan; 3 grandchildren, Mandy Goble & her husband Steve and Anna & Amy Zillinger all of Logan; 3 step-grandchildren, Jason Clark & his wife, Jenny of Princeton, TX, Ashley Dick & husband Adam of Hutchinson, and Jeff Schultz of Abilene; 2 great grandchildren, Morgan & Dawson Goble of Logan; 2 step-great grandchildren, Elise Dick of Hutchinson and Trevor Schmidt of Hays; a brother, Gerald Childs & his wife Carlene of Olathe; and 2 sisters, Beverly Maris & her husband Harold of Wauneta, NE and Clois Fiala of Colorado Springs.

Cleon had a joke for every occasion, and brightened the day of everyone he encountered. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Cremation was planned. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Friends may sign the book from Noon until 9:00 p.m. Monday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Logan Manor Nursing Home or Hospice Services, Inc.