1928-07-03-sc-p2-william-childs-obit

July 03, 1928 Spokane Daily Chronicle Page 2:

CHILDS FUNERAL THIS AFTERNOON

Rites for Reardan Pioneer Drowned at Deer Lake Conducted by Dr. Pease

Funeral services for William H. Childs, 72, pioneer farmer of the Reardan district, who was drowned at Deer lake Saturday while fishing, were held this afternoon at the Hazen & Jaeger parlors. The Rev. Charles Pease officiated. Incineration followed.

Mr. Childs was in a small rowboat with his son-in-law, Harry King of Reardan, who was raising an anchor when the accident occurred. After the men were thrown into the water by the capsizing of their craft Mr. King went to the aid of Mr. Childs and attempted to get him to the shore, about 75 yards distant. Both became exhausted before help could reach them and Mr. Childs, hindered by his age and a fur overcoat, sank to the bottom. His body was recovered about 30 minutes later.

Childs had lived in the Spokane country since 1878. He started his first farm near Reardan and became one of the leading wheat men of the district. He was originator of the Reardan Farmers’ State bank and the Farmers’ Cooperative Grain company there.

Surviving Mr. Childs are his wife, Kate; two sons, George and William, in Reardan; three daughters, Mrs. W. B. Templeton and Mrs, Nina Luther of Spokane, and Mrs. Harry King in Reardan, and two sisters, Pauline Childs in Spokane and Mrs. Hettie Phillips in New York city.