Carl Dean Childers' Obituary
Carl Dean Childers was born July 7, 1959 to Carroll and Dayle Childers in Louisiana, but spent much of his life on the move. He loved to wander and find himself in new places in this world; constantly investigating and learning about new towns on his many travels with the Navy, as well as vacations with family.
Carl had 20 years of military service aboard numerous surface ships, Carriers and Cruisers as a Nuclear Electrician (EM1), also referred to as a "Nuke." He had many fond memories of being in the Navy, and his soul was continually called to the sea.
After his retirement from the Navy, he started another career as a contractor engaged in the demilitarization of the rather large chemical agent weapons inventory scattered at various sites around the globe. He enjoyed sharing stories of this somewhat harrowing career to friends and family, as he was dismantling sarin gas, anthrax, and other nasty agents. His favorite post in this role was on a very small island in the Pacific - Johnston Atoll. His third career began when he accepted a position with the Veterans Administration as a steam Plant Operator, rotating through such plants as Quantico, Hunter Holmes McGuire in Richmond, and Salem VA.
He retired from the workforce fully after the passing of his wife, Ruth Childers, in January of 2023. In June of 2024 he was formally diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, and had been seeking treatment options. The cancer had progressed beyond any treatment options a year later, and he passed away at Mary Washington Hospital on June 20, 2025, surrounded by family. He joins his mother, wife, and sister (Carla) in heaven.
Carl is survived by his father, Carroll; and daughter, Heather.
He was a proud Parrothead (Jimmy Buffett fan), as well as a member of the Honorable Order of the Deep (Shellback).
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg.
He will have his ashes buried at sea in accordance with Navy processes. His Burial at Sea process is currently unfolding with specific date, location, time, ship, and other details to be published later.
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