DR. VICTOR CHILDERS

1966-2026

Victor E. Childers, 95, of Indianapolis, Indiana died June 23, 2026.

He was born on and raised here by his parents, Robert Ernest and Edna (Matlick) Childers. He attended Chaney School, and then Rutledge High School, where he was the sole member of the final class of 1950. His favorite activity was playing basketball with his friends. He earned a B.A. in Business Education from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1955.

He moved to Kansas City to work for Nutrena Feeds as a book keeper and office manager. There, he met Marian Kasper at a church group for young people. They were married in Kansas City in 1960. They moved to New York City to work for the Methodist Board of Missions, then Victor enrolled in Indiana University, Bloomington in 1962. He completed a Doctorate of Business Administration in June, 1967, then moved to Indianapolis to join the faculty of the Business School, specializing in International Business. He remained a resident of Indianapolis the rest of his life.

Victor had many opportunities to live and teach overseas including East Pakistan, Thailand, Venezuela, the Semester at Sea program, and The Netherlands. Marian and their daughters enjoyed the adventures as well. After retiring from IU in 1995, he continued to find interesting short-term opportunities with other universities or missions, especially with the Citizens Democracy Corps in the former USSR. In all, Victor traveled to 80 countries and territories, and every continent. He was always interested in seeing someplace new.

He was a member of the American Committees on Foreign Relations, Indianapolis Economic Club, coordinated a Great Decisions discussion group for many years. He was always interested in getting to know the people he encountered on his travels, from the university colleagues to the taxi drivers.

Victor always enjoyed being on the farm and looked forward to the next visit, which was often not soon enough. He cherished his family and friends deeply and tried to “keep it a small world” with as many of them as he could.

Victor is survived by his daughters, Katharine (Larry) Martin and Jean (Richard) Childers- Arnold; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who delighted him. His legacy to them is a fondness for travel and discovery. His kind, gentle spirit has been an inspiration to them all.

His strong Christian faith sustained him throughout his life, including the death of Marian and his final illness. He was buried on June 28 in a green burial ceremony at Sandhill Cemetery, following a service at Rutledge New Testament Church officiated by Bob Neese. Angela Neese and Angela Westhoff provided special music. Many dear family and community members were in attendance to honor this extraordinary gentleman.

A memorial service will be held at North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis later this summer.

Condolences may be sent to the Childers family by signing the online guestbook at gerthfuneralservice. com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service in Memphis.