Formerly WB9YFB of Chicago and Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
Beloved husband of JoAnn for 32 years; loving father of Scott W9CHI and Gary (Anne) Childers; daughter-in-law, Nina N9INA; cherished granddaughter, Caroline Marie; dear son of the late Richard and the late Mildred (nee Johnson); dear brother-in-law of Carolyn (the late Glenn) Engblom.
Mr. Childers was a retired employee of Emkay, Inc. of Itasca and a member of IUEC Local #2.
His ham radio hobby grew out of the CB craze of the 1970's. He and fellow 11 meter operators received their licenses on Chicago's North Side. Since many had the same suffix, they referred to themselves as the "Y Bunch." Many QSOs on Chicago's CFMC Repeater (146.76) as well as socials at local restaurants and BBQs in member's backyards and Field Day operations in a McHenry County farm field.
Kids followed into the hobby, including Mr. Childers' son Scott, originally licensed as WD9FXP. Scott also passed the hobby along, encouraging wife Nina, father-in-law Norman K9NJM and nephew Andrew KC9PFI to get licensed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.