Cleo B. Childers died on Oct. 22, 2020 at his home in Ione at the age of 85.
He was born on Sept. 9, 1935 in Wapato, Wash. to Jesse Glen Childers and Coy Ethel Bowman Childers.
He was raised and attended school in Mabton, Wash., graduating in the class of 1953. Cleo was united in marriage to Marilyn Bechtel on June 5, 1955 in Helix. He worked for the Lester King Ranch before settling in Ione in 1961, where he had lived since. He worked for the Charles Carlson farm until 1969. Cleo owned and operated B & C Repair for 30 years, as well as farming in various locations until his passing.
He was a member of the Hermiston Gun Club, the NRA, Oregon Wheat League and the Morrow County Grain Growers. Cleo enjoyed trap shooting, varmint hunting, playing cards and visiting at morning coffee, and he loved farming.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn Childers, Ione; sons, Harvey Childers (Bobbi), Ione and Roger Childers (Barbara), Roseburg; daughter, Laurie Barrow (Cris), Lexington; grandchildren, Maci (Chris), Kacy (Alisha), Molly (Josh), Sarah (Leon), Matthew, Lucas and Payton; 10 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cleo was preceded in death by an infant son, John; his parents; brother, Max Childers; and a sister, Glenna Childers.
A graveside service following state guidelines will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Highview Cemetery, Ione.
Those who wish may make contributions in Cleo’s memory to the Hermiston Gun Club in care of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please share memories of Cleo with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
