Thomas R. Childs

Thomas R. Childs, age 72 of West Alexandria, Ohio died Friday morning, November 17, 2017 at his residence. Born on September 4, 1945 in Akron, Ohio the son of the late Frederick T. & Ruth C. (Ross) Childs he was a 1963 graduate of Buchtel High School in Akron. Tom graduated from the University of Akron in 1968 with two majors, Labor Economics and Labor Relations. He was a member of Phi Kappa Fraternity; Treasurer of Omecron Delta Epsilon, National Economics Honorary; Distinguished ROTC student in 1967 and a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1968. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army serving with the Medical Services Corps during 1968 to 1971. He served at Triplar Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI receiving the Army Commendation Medal for service as a Captain.

In 1973 Tom received his Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from The Ohio State University. From 1979 to 1983 he was the Administrative Assistant and Assistant Executive Director at Grant Hospital. 1983 to 1985 the Independent Consultant and Accessor to Ohio Hospital Association in Columbus, OH. 1985 to 2008 Assistant Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Holzer Medical Center; System Vice President of Holzer Health System.

Member, Diplomat, Fellow and Life Fellow to American College of Health Care Executives and received Reagents award for distinguished service; served as President of Church Counsel at New Life Lutheran Church in Gallipolis, OH and current member of Grace Lutheran Church in Eaton, OH. He had served as President of Board for the American Red Cross, Chairman of Board for FACTS; Zoning Commission all in Gallipolis Ohio; Chairman of Board for Foundation of Healthy Communities at Ohio Hospital Association of Columbus, OH.

Survived by wife of 21 years: Nancy Brubaker Lathey Childs; daughter: Kelly (Andrew) Pyles; granddaughter: Chelsea (Eric) Brooks and great grandson: Carson Brooks; sister & brother-in-law: Joanne & Curt Cowles of Canada Lakes, MI and many friends and neighbors.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, November 20, 2017 at Barnes Funeral Home 220 East Main Street Eaton, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Grace Lutheran Church 111 Lutheran Drive Eaton, OH with Pastor John Jackson officiating. The Preble County Honor Guard will provide military honors.

Private Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Gratis, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at New Life Lutheran Church in Gallipolis, OH later date. Condolences may be sent via www.barnesfuneralhome.com