[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 111 (Friday, July 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF DON CHILDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HAROLD ROGERS-

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 5, 2024

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a 
legendary leader and a pillar of innovation in Eastern Kentucky, my 
longtime friend Don Childers, best known for founding Childers Oil 
Company in Whitesburg, Kentucky. After spending a lifetime creating 
jobs and investing hope in our rural Appalachian region, Don received 
his heavenly reward at the age of 92.
  Over the years, you learn the dynamics of a meeting can change by the 
presence of one strong leader. Don Childers significantly shifted the 
dynamics of our entire region, spanning the coalfields of southern and 
eastern Kentucky, by putting actions to his words and remaining a loyal 
friend to the region he loved.
  Sons and daughters of the coalfields deeply understand the value of 
hard work, perseverance, and southern hospitality. Every venture that 
Don and his wife Peggy established over the last five decades are 
marked by those same characteristics. While Don delivered oil to coal 
mines in Central Appalachia, Peggy focused on the retail side, 
designing and operating convenience stores where customers would be 
greeted with the smell of fresh, homemade food. Established in 1966, 
Childers Oil Company has now grown from three petroleum trucks and 
three drivers to a successful family-owned business group with more 
than 40 convenience stores and a thriving restaurant featuring Peggy's 
home recipes, as well as more than 1,000 employees in a region 
desperate for jobs.
  Twenty years ago, Don rallied together a group of community leaders 
to form the Letcher County Planning Commission, focusing on the 
development of educational, recreational, and economic opportunities. 
During that time, they have boldly led the charge to build a federal 
correctional facility in Letcher County to create more than 300 federal 
jobs, a new airport to improve industrial development, new recreational 
trails, improved infrastructure, and much more.
  Don was not only a good leader, but a respected mentor and teacher, 
passing down his unwavering work ethic, determination, and compassion 
to his children and those around him. Most recently, in response to the 
catastrophic flood that swept through our region in July 2022, the 
Childers family helped organize flood relief efforts and provided 
temporary housing for some families who lost everything overnight. 
Their generosity and quick response ensured flood survivors had 
emergency supplies and shelter when they needed it the most.
  Despite the challenges that have crossed Don's path over the years, 
he has always responded with the utmost grace, fortitude and resolve to 
honor his word. He has never allowed fear of criticism to deter his 
mission to make Eastern Kentucky a better place to live.
  Aside from his success in business, Don was equally dedicated to the 
Whitesburg First Baptist Church, a generous supporter of local schools 
and non-profits, and a proud U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. He left a 
lasting legacy that will carry far beyond his time with us. I am 
eternally grateful for Don's friendship and support, as well as the 
investments that he, Peggy and their children have made in the lives of 
Eastern Kentuckians every single day. My wife Cynthia and I share our 
heartfelt sympathy with the entire Childers family and especially 
Peggy, who lost the love of her life after 71 years of marriage.

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