Donald “Don” Adair Childs

Donald “Don” Adair Childs, 87, of DeWitt, Iowa, entered into rest Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt.

A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2026, in the Community Room at Fieldstone of DeWitt, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Mark Zevenbergen will officiate. Interment and Military Honors will take place at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon at a later date.

Don was born August 31, 1938, in Bottineau, North Dakota, at St. Andrews Hospital, to William George and Emma Mae (Peterson) Childs. He graduated from North Central High School in Spokane, Washington, and attended college for two years.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army from October 9, 1961, until September 30, 1967, serving as a radar technician and cadre, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

On July 30, 1962, Don married his high school sweetheart Patsy Ann Beam. Together, Don and Pat built a life centered on faith, family, humor, and the many adventures they shared along the way. They made their homes in Walnut Creek, California, Lake Oswego, Oregon, and retired to Redmond, Oregon, before moving to DeWitt. Don enjoyed a 30-year career with Mattel Toys, working in sales as a district manager.

Throughout his life, Don had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed mountain climbing, running, skiing, ranching, and simply being outside. Don was a cowboy at heart, and had an impressive collection of hats and boots. A man of many talents, he was a skilled builder, electrician, and plumber, building the ranch they retired in. He also had an interest in Indy cars and presidential history. Don was a man of integrity. His faith was the most important part of who he was, and above all else, Don will be remembered for his love of Jesus and his family.

Surviving are his wife, Pat; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Mark Zevenbergen of DeWitt; grandson, Jackson Zevenbergen of Redmond, Oregon, Mac Adair Zevenbergen (Christina) of Orion, Illinois, and Lynden Zevenbergen of Washington, D.C.

Don was preceded in death by his daughter, September Dawn Childs; brother, Billy Dean Childs; and parents, William and Emma Childs.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Fieldstone for their care and love during this journey.

Cremation is being is provided by the Schultz Funeral Home family at their crematory in DeWitt. Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com