Comments on: Stephen Andrew Childers: Power and Authority

By: Andrew Hopkins

Andrew Hopkins — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:26:33 +0000

Ardis, what a great article and tribute to my uncle, Steve.

While I dont recall any of it, I was able to meet Steve while i was just a very young boy, and have often been told by my mother of the few, very special times we shared together. During some of the more challenging times in my life, I have felt what i believe to be his spirit there with me, supporting me and guiding me along. I have no doubt what a great man he was and is.
What an honor to have been named not only after my grandfather, but my uncle as well; a tradition I proudly continued in his memory, with my son, Colton Stephen.

Thanks again.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:45:55 +0000

This just gets better and better, at least for me as a blogger. The main thing was finding out about your brother and uncle and writing about him, but to have the family respond this enthusiastically is a bonus.

I probably won’t acknowledge individual comments if more family members stop by, but please know that you are all welcome and I appreciate your taking a moment to leave a comment.

By: Kara

Kara — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:54:09 +0000

What a wonderful article about my Uncle Steve. I never knew him, but have heard about him all my life. His only sister, Margaret is my Mother. Steve is an example to learn from and follow even though not on this earth. I look forward to the day when I get to meet him and talk with him myself. We’ve always loved hearing stories about our Uncle Steve, and have visited the Wall in DC several times to seek out his name. It is always sobering, yet gives me a little bit of pride at the kind of man he was, and the reason his name is on that wall.

It’s an honor to have him as an Uncle!

Kara Mortensen
Cleveland, OH

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:21:53 +0000

Jim, I’m honored that you commented, and very pleased that you found this a fitting tribute. You probably recognize that I found Steve’s letter to you in the Improvement Era. It did take some searching to find the additional information.

Steve is exactly the kind of Latter-day Saint that Keepa readers like to hear about — someone who is generally unknown to the world today but whose life and example adds as much to our heritage as any better-known pioneer or missionary. Saints like him should never be forgotten.

By: Jim Childers

Jim Childers — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:51:36 +0000

Thank you for the wonderful tribute, Ardis. Yes, I’m Steve’s little brother (now 62). You did an excellent job, and a great service, in providing a fitting followup to that letter my brother originally penned to me.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:46:19 +0000

Lauren, I’m glad you found this page so that the Childers family will know that Steve is remembered and still inspiring us all these years later.

By: Lauren Childers Thorley

Lauren Childers Thorley — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:53:38 +0000

Thank you for this lovely article on my Uncle Steve. My siblings and I often wonder what it would be like if our Uncle Steve were still with us. Although we never met him we all deeply admire and love him. I hope to make him proud in this life.

Thanks again.

Best,
Lauren (Childers) Thorley
Panama City, Panama

By: m&m

m&m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:55:36 +0000

Moving tribute, Ardis. Thank you.

By: Maurine

Maurine — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:04:02 +0000

A wonderful story, Ardis. His younger brother must have treasured that letter. I have a hard time seeing the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial without becoming emotional.

By: Hunter

Hunter — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:20:10 +0000

Don’t think the seriousness of the priesthood will make holding it unpleasant . . . Love of God and service to him, combined with love and service to people is the best road to happiness.

I loved the way he explained it there. What a great gift to a brother.

Thanks for this memorial.