Donald Childs

Donald Clifford Childs was born April 18, 1930 in rural Billings County, ND to Frank Winfield Childs and Gladys (McCarlson) Childs. Don (or ?Pinky? as he was known by many) had a happy childhood on the family farm, working hard and fishing and hunting with his dad or playing games with dad and sister or nieces and nephew who lived on a neighboring farm. Don attended country school through 6th grade. He moved into Killdeer for 7th and 8th grade. He spent the remainder of his school years in Dunn Center, graduating from Dunn Center H. S. in 1948. Following H. S. , Don worked at Occident Lumber in Dunn Center until he was drafted into the U. S. army in December of 1951. Serving during the Korean War, he spent a year in California and a year in Germany before being honorably discharged in November of 1953 with the rank of corporal. For serving his country, Don was awarded the Occupation medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service medal. . Following military service, Don returned to work as manager of Occident Lumber. The owners approached him to manage a second location, Peavey Lumber of Killdeer, Don said he was in agreement if they gave him a bookkeeper. Don was given a lovely and efficient bookkeeper, Avon Paulson Wing. The two became close and married on July 9, 1961. They made their home in Killdeer. In 1962, they welcomed the birth of their first and only child together, Derrick Winfield Childs. In 1970, Don gave up the lumber business and purchased a bar in Killdeer, which he dubbed ?Pinky?s Club. ? Never one to shrink from hard work, he accepted a concurrent position at Dresser Engineering, Inc. from 1977-until the mid 1980?s. He and Avon owned and ran Pinky?s Club in Killdeer from 1970 until June of 2004, when they sold their business and retired. Don was a member of St. John?s Lutheran Church of Killdeer, served as a volunteer fireman and was a brother in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2328, a member of the Elks Lodge #1137, and the American Legion, Ezra Barrows Post # 338. He was known and loved throughout the community as a kind-hearted fellow, always lending a willing ear and a smile to all. Don enjoyed just ?shooting the breeze? and the occasional game of pinochle or whist with friends. Don passed away quietly on Friday, November 5, 2004 at St. Joseph?s Memorial Hospital in Dickinson. Don leaves his loving wife, Avon, Killdeer, son Derrick (Sonja) and granddaughter, Tara, of Cando, ND. One brother, Durwood of Northridge, CA, sisters Drusilla Zubke of Watford City, ND and Darlene Krieger of Kokomo, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Beverly and half-siblings; Roy Childs, Florence Timm and Margaret Emes.


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Burial Date: November 9, 2004
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service: Tuesday, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killdee