WHITESBURG, Ky. — William Donald Childers, founder of Childers Oil and the Double Kwik chain of convenience stores, has died.

Better known as Don Childers to most, he passed away at his home in Whitesburg, with his wife, Peggy Jo, and two daughters, Donna Jo Childers, of Nicholasville, and Ina Michelle (Missy) Matthews, of Whitesburg, by his side.

After graduating from Pikeville College and the University of Kentucky, then serving in the Army, Childers went to work for Gulf Oil in 1956. Ten years later, he would buy Gulf’s distributorship in Whitesburg and rebrand it as Childers Oil.

“Eastern Kentucky has lost a legendary leader,” U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers said in a statement Wednesday. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, Don Childers of Letcher County. He invested in the lives of Eastern Kentuckians by creating jobs, casting vision and planning for new opportunities, and generously giving back to his home region. Most recently, Don and his family provided resources and supplies for flood survivors in one of our hardest hit counties. He was a brilliant businessman and a consummate advocate for our Appalachian region, leaving a generational legacy of hope for a brighter future. My wife Cynthia and I send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the entire Childers family, and especially Peggy who lost the love of her life after 71 years.”

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my longtime friend, Don Childers,” U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said in a statement. “Don and I connected from the very beginning over our shared love of Kentucky, and through the years we teamed up on countless projects to see what we could do for our state’s Appalachian communities. He was a constant advocate for his fellow Eastern Kentuckians and always looked for ways to bring jobs, investment, and new opportunities to his hometown. Don leaves a tremendous impact on the Commonwealth, and I will continue to remember this impressive businessman, honored veteran, and dedicated family man fondly. Elaine and I send our condolences to the entire Childers family and all those who mourn his loss.”

Don Childers was 92 years old.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, July 8, at First Baptist Church, in Whitesburg.

Rep. Rogers entered a tribute to Childers into the Congressional Record. That tribute is reprinted below:

“Mister 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.”