About
William Childs Obituary
September 10, 1934 - February 4, 2026
Willam Francis Childs, age 91 passed away on February 4th, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He was born on September 10, 1934 in Hyannis, Massachusetts the son of Joseph and Mary (Clemmey) Childs of Centerville, MA.
Bill attended Barnstable High School in Hyannis. His art teacher was Vernon Herbert Coleman who became his mentor. The Cape Cod beaches, dunes and landscapes served as an early inspiration for his work.
Bill graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art, and continued on to earn a Masters Degree from UNH. He then accepted an art teaching position in Southern NH. He was drafted into the army and served as a cartographer and mural painter stationed in Ulm, Germany.
In 1959 he married Bette Ann (Hutchinson) Childs, of Milford, NH and they settled in Milford before moving to Exeter, NH.
He then taught art at Oyster River High School in Durham for 30 years, and art education at UNH. Even while teaching Bill maintained a home studio and created a prolific portfolio of mostly watercolor work, accompanied by pen and ink sketches and oil monoprints.
In his retirement Bill devoted himself to family and working as an artist nearly full-time. He exhibited as a member of the Seacoast Art Association, NH Art Association and much of his work was exhibited at A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words in downtown Exeter. Bill was an avid walker, walking the beach twice a week with friends, and a voracious reader.
Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 42 years Bette Ann Childs, and his brothers Warren, Ralph, Jim, Joe, and Richard. He leaves two children, Lisa Childs Wilson and husband Michael, and Jay Childs and wife Arlene, both of Exeter, NH, He also leaves three grandchildren Katharine Wilson and husband Garrett Showers of Richmond, VA, Allison Wilson and fiancé Justin Beers of New York City, NY, and Sarah Childs of Philadelphia, PA, and one great grandchild Thompson Francis Showers of Richmond, VA. He also leaves his sister-in-law Georgie Childs along with many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at Stockbridge Funeral Home in Exeter on Sunday February 15 from 1-4pm. A Celebration of Life will be planned in Exeter for Spring.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Seacoast Art Association Scholarship Fund or The Beyond the Rainbow Fund at Exeter Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hans (Peter) and Anne Barlow
February 18, 2026
I'd would frequently drop in to visit Bill for artistic inspiration; he was the most dedicated artist I've ever known, his town hall shows were always a pleasure. Anne and I would frequently find him at the Trackside restaurant in town that would always end in a discussion on art and town affairs. He always a smile on his face with a joy for the upcoming day. We'll miss him.
Alex Herlihy
February 17, 2026
Our condolences to the Childs family.
I knew Bill since 1976 when I began teaching at ORHS. He was a wonderful friend and colleague. We got to teach American Studies together with Liz Whaley for 13 years and i learned so much from him.
Even in retirement we three kept in touch with "reunions." We were so happy to see him at his wonderful 90th birthday art show at Exeter Town Hall. Rest in peace Bill. You will be remembered.
"Gather Strength in what remains" (Wordsworth)
Bill left such a lasting legacy.
Alex and Nina Herlihy, Rye
Scott Seaver
February 16, 2026
I loved "Mr. Childs" and took all his art classes at Oyster River High School. I went on to Art School and was always grateful to Bill and his excellent introduction to the art world. I especially remember fondly the field trips he took us on to sketch outdoors and find inspiration for future work. He will be remembered as a good man and one of my favorite teachers.
Jackie (Menge) Clary
February 13, 2026
My sincere condolences to Bill´s family. I see from reading the other memorials, Bill impacted many students the way he did me. I graduated from ORHS in 1973 and Bill Childs changed my life in the most wonderful way. He had also taught my older sister who made some beautiful pieces in his class, and my younger brother who became quite skilled in pottery under Bill´s tutelage (even though Bill proclaimed he was not much of a potter!). I took his Art 1 class as a freshman, and then the next level in my senior year. Bill´s warmth and kindness, positive encouragement, and enthusiastic teaching made me want to spend as much time in the art room as I could, and he always welcomed me. Later on in college, when I contemplated a career in teaching, I knew I wanted to recreate his art room magic for other teens. In my 38 year teaching career, mostly at Lebanon High School, that was my mission. I was lucky to see him periodically at NH Art Educator conferences, so he knew his impact continued to my students as well as his own. When I retired in 2016, I left my program in the hands of a young teacher who also teaches in the Bill Childs style, so his legacy continues. Thanks for everything, Bill.
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Jodie Lubarsky
February 13, 2026
Lisa and Jay, our thoughts are will all of you as your family navigates you journey of loss. With love, the Lubarsky/Wennberg Family
Ann Marie West
February 10, 2026
My heart felt condolences to the family.
Mr Childs was a teacher at Oyster River when my children were in high school.
Mr Childs made a difference in every life he touched and that difference will continue to live on
Ann Marie West
Elise MacDonald (Bain, ORHS '84)
February 9, 2026
I never took one of Mr. Childs' classes, but so many of my friends at Oyster River High School were visual artists. I saw the profoundly positive effect he had on them. I spent many treasured hours in his classroom during lunch hour with my friends. Although I was very much a music student, he took an interest in me and we always had such lovely conversations. I later went on to become a middle school and high school music educator -- so looking back on his effect on his students was even more powerful later on. A life so very well lived. Thank you, Mr. Childs!
Shawn Finnegan
February 9, 2026
I was way past Oyster River H.S. when Bill Childs was there but my youngest sibs, Brendan (now deceased) and Bridget Finnegan both had him as a teacher and both went on to have art careers. You cannot say that about most teachers. My condolences to his family. Shawn Finnegan
Caroline Ganley
February 7, 2026
Mr. Childs was a remarkable person! A devoted husband, adoring father to our dear friends Lisa and Jay, extraordinary teacher and mentor to so many. Full of life and fun, he had a wonderful sense of humor, was a gifted raconteur and had such a kind deep laugh. He was a wonderful neighbor and a key figure to those of us who grew up on Gill Street - he and my father would stand around in each others driveways gently guffawing over the fact that their large Victorian homes, meticulously kept, required endless gallons of paint and that indeed the goal was to paint one side of the house each year! Mr. Childs was civic minded, and a patriot in the true sense of our founding fathers - he believed in participating avidly in local democratic governance and was never afraid to speak up to advocate for fairness, decency and kindness. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts- we´ll never stop looking for his long stride somewhere ahead on a glorious walk through town! Much love to those who will miss him. xoxo Carrie G.
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141 Epping Road, Exeter, NH 03833
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