I sing because I am happy, I sing because I am free, His Eye is on the sparrow, and I know He's watching me…. Donald (Donnie) Lynn Childers, age 62, was called home to be with his Savior on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Atkins, Arkansas.

Donnie set the precedent of the positive effect he would have on family and friends with his arrival on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1959. He was born to Kewen Clayton and Margaret Verlyne (Tarpley) Childers of Ulysses, Kansas at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.

Donnie was known for his infectious smile and laughter. He carried this throughout his entire life. He never knew a stranger and always enjoyed singing Hymns that his dear friend and neighbor, Linda Neidert, taught him.  Donnie enjoyed bowling and socializing with others at the bowling alley in Ulysses. Donnie worked with Terry Stuart at the Grant County Recreation Center for 30 + years. He was recognized repeatedly including a memorial bench and cornerstone at the Terry Stewart Building in the Grant County Recreation complex.

Later, Donnie moved to Russellville, Arkansas where he spent the remainder of his life attending First Freewill Baptist Church of Russellville and working for Star Industries.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; and two brothers, Orville Wayne Childers of Waukegan, Illinois and Stanley Richard Childers of Haysville, Kansas.

His survivors include the following, his sister, Mora Jean (Childers) Hammer of Russellville, Arkansas; a brother, Dale Leon Childers (Lanna) of Ulysses, Kansas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Help us celebrate his joyous life by attending his life stream celebration service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Shinn Chapel with Rev. Joel Lauckner officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Shinn Chapel.

A graveside service at will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2022, in Grant County Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas under the direction of Garnand Funeral Home, of Ulysses, Kansas.

Arrangements are by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Grant County Recreation, 204 E Wheat Ave, Ulysses, Kansas 67880.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.