Norman Childers April 14, 1934 May 6, 2026 Norman Childers was born Born on April 14, 1934, in Gilbert, Louisiana, to the late Norman Buron and Velma Rebecca (Caldwell) Childers; Norman lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, and sports. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Millie Earline “Bill” Powell, whom he married on January 28, 1956. He was also preceded in death by his infant sister, Corrie La Faye Childers, and his brother, Jerry Childers.
Norman is survived by his children: daughter Lisa Glorioso; son Brian (Barbara Ann) Childers and son Steve Childers. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jenna Glorioso (Matthew Trimm), Caitlyn (Tyler) Smith, Mackenzie (A.J.) Marquez, Hailee Childers, and Seth Childers. He also leaves behind his brothers, John (Andrea) Childers, and Melvin (Dolores) Childers; his greatgrandchildren, Tinsley Childers and Stetson Childers, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Norman graduated from the University of S o u t h w e s t e r n Louisiana in 1958, where he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. After graduation, he and Bill moved to Colfax, Louisiana, where he began a lifelong and meaningful career in education as a teacher, coach, and principal.
His passion for helping others extended beyond the classroom, as he faithfully served as a deacon at Central Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas.
Everyone who met him could be sure of his devotion to the Lord and his genuine love for people. His heart for ministry and his love for Christ shone through in his all aspects of his life but never more than in his community-focused connections with people.
Norman lived out the final years of his life in the Columbus, Ohio area; enjoying the changing seasons and time with his daughter.
Norman was an avid sports fan, with a special love for football. A lifelong supporter of the LSU Tigers, he rarely missed a televised game. Whether coaching, cheering from the stands, or watching his grandchildren play, Norman’s enthusiasm for sports brought joy to his life and to those around him.
He also enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening, hunting, and fishing—especially with his children and grandchildren. He was a talented lifelong artist, enjoying drawing and painting even until his final months.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided to Norman. Special thanks to the staff of StoryPoint Assisted Living in Gahanna, Ohio, as well as the many therapists, physicians, and caregivers whose kindness and dedication brought comfort to him and to our family. We are also grateful to the Corsocare Hospice staff for their help during Dad’s final days.
Norman’s sense of humor, steady presence, and deep love for his family will be profoundly missed. His legacy lives on in the countless young lives he touched as an educator, as well as a mentor and friend to all.
A memorial service to celebrate Norman’s life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Colfax on May 16 at 1p.m.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be his grandchildren and their spouses Bryan Mitchell, Kyle Mitchell and wife Michaela, Jenna Mitchell Fritz and husband Jake, Joshua Mitchell and wife Lauren, and Abby Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Mitchell and Andrew Mitchell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery fund, any educational support organization such as AdoptAClassroom. org org/), or to the charity of your choice.