Richard Childers

Richard E. Childers, age 57, of St. Johns, MI passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016 at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 10:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Mike Williams officiating.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, 104 East Cass Street, St. Johns, MI.

Richard was born in Carson City, Michigan on May 30, 1958, the son of Robert and Pauline (Randall) Childers.

Rich was a graduate of Fulton High School, a proud General Motors Lansing Grand River Plant employee and a member of Local 652.  He would not hesitate to cross a parking lot to ask a Cadillac owner for feedback on their vehicle.  He enjoyed the many friendships he made while working there.  Rich was an enthusiastic sports spectator and had a unique relationship with the officials.  A day well spent for Rich included drinking coffee while checking his favorite websites, getting the best deal possible on any purchase, mowing the lawn, grilling and drinking a beer while listening to Detroit Tigers baseball on the radio.

He is survived by his wife Judy, daughters; Katelyn, Alayna (Jacob) Shaffer, Richelle, brothers; William (Pat), Ronnie "Oak" (Kathy), Rick (Nancy), Timothy (Micci), Christopher (Judy), brothers and sisters in law; Jo (Kevin) Wendling, Jayne Schafer, Jeanne (Mike) Klaver, Jeffrey (Nicole) Spitzley, Janelle (Greg) Paksi, and Jennifer (James) Padilla. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; infant Bonnie, Pamela (Michael) Crawford, and parents-in-law; Daniel Spitzley and Carolyn Spitzley.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Schools or St. Johns Athletic Boosters.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel St. Johns, MI.