Dr. Frederick Woodrow Childers, professor emeritus of the Department of Social Work Education passed away on Sept. 22 in Clovis, at the age of 84. According to his family, Childers was a passionate educator and licensed clinical social worker who led a life of steadfast dedication to his family, students, colleagues and patients, profoundly influencing the well-being of those around him.

Childers had a distinguished social work career in both the academic and clinical setting. Before earning a tenured teaching position at Fresno State, he taught social work courses at San Diego and San Jose State, and later at Louisiana State University. At Fresno State, he taught graduate-level courses and mentored social work students in his role as a professor and researcher. He served in this capacity for 23 years before retiring as a professor emeritus.

In addition to teaching, Childers was committed to his private practice, where he helped clients of all age groups navigate challenges and joys. For 30 years, he provided consulting services to military veterans at the Fresno Vet Center, as well as provided clinical supervision, training and mental health research to children and family service agencies. His expertise earned him recognition as a Board-Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work by the American Board of Examiners.

According to his family, Childers enjoyed spending time with loved ones, either by traveling locally and internationally or through camping, boating and fishing, and he was also an avid reader of historical books and biographies.

In his obituary, Childers is remembered as someone who “leaves behind the social work community that he helped to shape. His legacy touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and clients. Those who knew Fred will remember his kindness, his calming and contemplative demeanor, his thoughtful words, and his quiet laugh.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Childer’s memory be directed to Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, the Fresno Vet Center or a charity that reminds you of him. View Childer’s extended obituary online.