Robert M. Childs, 78, husband of Evelyn M. (Muller) Childs of 100 Colonial Drive, Ipswich, died Tuesday May 13, 2008 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, following his long illness.

Born in Flushing, NY November 20, 1929, son of the late Edward B. and Mary (Malcolm-Smith) Childs, he was raised in Teaneck, NJ where he was a graduate of public schools.

As a teenager he and his family summered on Plum Island. Following high school he joined the Army and served two enlistments as a Military Policeman with the Occupational Forces in Germany. Following his honorable discharge he returned to New Jersey,  for the next thirteen years he served as a police officer with the Teaneck, NJ Police Department. He retired in 1964 due to in injury in the line of duty.

Married in 1972, the Childs’ made their home on Essex Road, Ipswich where they lived until their 1993 move to Colonial Drive. For six years he worked at the Parker River Marina in Newbury. He was the first year round ranger at the Crane Beach Reservation, retiring in 2002 following twenty-four years of service.

He enjoyed attending NASCAR races in New Hampshire and the Poconos. He was also an avid Ipswich High School football fan.

Mr. Childs was a lifetime member of the Rowley VFW Post #5707 and a lifetime member of Ipswich AMVETS Post #201.

In addition to his wife of thirty-six years he is survived by  four sons, Robert Childs of NJ, James Childs of FL, Scott MacDiarmid of Newburyport and Michael MacDiarmid of GA; three daughters, Heidi Bluteau and Constance Homcy  both of NJ and Laura MacDiarmid of MD; seven grandchildren, and a sister, Mary Flaherty of Ipswich.

Visiting hours are Friday 4 to 8 pm in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. All other services will be private.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923.