Uncrowned Community Builders

Lawrence Edward Childers, Jr. , affectionately known as "Larry" was born on April 4, 1923 in Alliance, Ohio. He was the oldest of four children of Lawrence Edward Childers, Sr. and Ethel Leath. Larry attended school in Buffalo, New York, where he graduated from Masten Park High School and later attended the University at Buffalo.

He served in the U.S. Army from January, 1942 through December 1945 at Camp Lee in Virginia, Fort Lawton in Seattle, Washington, Camp Beale in California and For Huachuca in Arizona. During his service he was promoted from Private to Corporal, Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. He received citations and awards for Good conduct, Expert Rifleman, Platoon Leader, Field Sergeant and Drill Team.
His employment included working as a door fitter at the Ford Motor company and later as a window clerk at the U.S. Post Office Hertel Station, from which he retired in 1987. He played on the Post Office softball team, winning many awards for his expert pitching ability, including a no-hitter in 1968.

In retirement, Larry became an active member of the William-Emslie YMCA Senior Citizens Center's Exercise Program. He served as travel chairman for many YMCA trips and participated in the annual YMCA Partner with Youth Campaign. He took part in the Senior Games at Cortland University and the Salvation Army Senior Olympics, earning numerous gold medals. He was past president for the Appomattox club, a member of the Wincrest Gun Club, past Vice President of the Inter-station Post Office Bowling League and Treasurer of the Blaine Avenue Block Club #1.

Larry married the former Pauline D. Jones in 1947 and they were happily wed for 63 years. The couple had four daughters, Lawrine Adele, Lenora Alexis, Lynette Anita, and Laurita Alane. They have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Lawrence died on January 25, 2011.