Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries


The Freestone County Times
Feb 17, 2009 
Page: 8-B

  Clifton Edward Childs, Jr., 81, a descendent of families moving to Texas as 
early as 1839, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2009, in Waco, Texas. He was
born September 8, 1927, in Freestone County to Clifton Childs and Corin Watson
Childs. Clifton graduated from Fairfield High School in 1945 and joined the 
U.S. Navy. After his service, he attended Arlington State College and worked 
in banking until he was recalled to active duty in 1950, being discharged a
second time in 1952.
  Clifton married Sylvia Isabella Bastin, the love of his life, on January 24, 
1947, and they had two daughters: Julie Ann Childs Medford and Janice Kathleen 
Childs.
  After completing his military service, Clifton returned to Fairfield to work 
at Fairfield State Bank. He received his insurance license and became a third 
generation owner of the Childs-Bonner Insurance Agency, which at one time was 
the oldest insurance agency in Freestone County. Clifton also worked at 
Fairfield State Bank for 17 years while managing his insurance business.
Clifton and Sylvia joined the Methodist Church in the early 1950s, where he 
became the church treasure and a steward, and was an involved supporter for 
many years. Clifton joined Fairfield Masonic Lodge No. 103, later serving as 
Worshipful Master, eventually becoming a 50 year member in 1971. He and his 
daughter Julie Ann joined the Order of the Eastern Star, Fairfield Chapter 331.  
They later served together as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron.  Clifton was 
active in many other civic and community organizations during his business 
career, including the Freestone County Fair Association (Treasurer and 
Commissioner), the Chamber of Commerce (President), the Freestone County 
Historical Commission (Director), the Fairfield Hospital Board (Director), the 
Red Lake Fishing and Hunting Club (Director), and he was also a charter member 
of the Fairfield Lions Club and the Freestone County Country Club (Director).  
Clifton was a devoted, loving husband, father, and grandfather. 
  He loved helping others and brought joy to many with his witty personality, 
support, and overall happy nature. 
  He is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Childs ofFairfield, his daughter 
Kathleen Childs of Fairfield, and sister, Carolyn Childs Hudson of Waco.
  He is survived by his daughter, Julie Ann Childs Medford and husband, Rick, 
of Fairfield; granddaughter, Corin Kathleen Medford Burrell and husband, Eric, 
of Lubbock; grandson Thomas Edward Childs Medford of Waco, great-granddaughter,
Harper Ann Burrell of Lubbock; brother-in-law, J.D. Hudson of Waco; nephews Jim 
Hudson and wife, Peggy, of Waco and David Hudson of Dallas; and great nieces 
Meredith Hudson of Boulder, Colorado, Melinda Hudson of Boulder, Colorado,
and Laura Madeline Hudson of Waco.
 
  Services were held Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at First United 
Methodist Church in Fairfield.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church building expansion,
Freestone County Museum, or the charity of your choice.

A memorial book is available at www.griffin-roughton.com. Arrangements were
made through Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Fairfield.