Donnell C. Childers

On March 27, 2026, our world stopped for a moment when we said goodbye to the sweetest, kindest, and most loving dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Senator Donnell C. Childers. How do we even begin to sum up a man’s life from the Greatest Best Generation? A man of 94 years born on March 3, 1932.

Papa grew up in humble beginnings in rural Southeast Alabama with his 9 siblings, in the towns of Skipperville and Blue Springs, where life on the “Old Place” shaped his character and values. With no running water, electricity, or modern conveniences, his family lived off the land, raising hogs and growing vegetables, cotton, and peanuts. He learned to plow fields with mules, picked cotton alongside his brothers and sisters, and spent his boyhood days joyfully swimming in creeks, barefoot and free. He grew up poor, yet he was so rich. Times were hard, but the Childers family’s door was always open to friends and others in need, and this spirit of generosity and service stayed with Papa throughout his life.

He graduated and played football for Troy State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. In 1954, he married his true love, Kay Bess from Miami. They shared 46 years of marriage until she went to be with the Lord in 2000. Together, they raised 3 children: Lisa Blumthal (Dale), Don Jr. (Dar), and Tim Childers (Cheryl).

Papa’s professional career was diverse and successful. He owned and operated a construction company, an insurance office, and later worked as a bank executive with Southeast Bank in Miami. He also served the 28th District in the Florida State Senate for 16 years from 1974 to 1990. While there, he chaired the Senate Commerce Committee, the Agriculture Committee, Health and Rehabilitative Services, Education, and Appropriations Committees. One of his proudest moments and accomplishments was raising the Florida drinking age from 18 to 21. During his years in the Florida Senate, he was instrumental in passing hundreds of bills that left a lasting mark on the people and the state he loved.

Faith was the center of Papa’s life. For 50 years, he was a proud member and Deacon of First Baptist Church (now Family Church) in downtown West Palm Beach. His fellowship and service made him a friend to many and an example to all.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He raised his family to believe in the One and Only True Living God, Jesus Christ, and taught them about Grace and Mercy.

After his love for the Lord came his love for his family. Proverbs 13:22 “ A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…”

This was his testimony, which lives on and continues to grow.

His grandchildren are Kate, Karl, Orlando, Megan, Carter, and Cassidy, along with 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

2nd Timothy 4: 7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Papa taught us how to live. He is our Hero, and he will live forever in our hearts.

Senator Donnell Childers' Life Celebration will be on April 2nd, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Family Church, 1101 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. (formally First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, Florida).  Visitation begins 3:30 PM and Service at 4:00 PM.

The Graveside service will be at Magnolia Church Cemetery in Blue Springs, Alabama, on April 13th, at 10:30 AM.