Lexington, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Masten Childers II, former secretary of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Childers was known for his significant reforms in juvenile justice, welfare, and Medicaid during his tenure. His leadership led to a notable consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at reforming Kentucky’s juvenile offender system. He is survived by three children and several grandchildren, and visitation services are scheduled in Lexington.
Lexington, Kentucky – Masten Childers II, Former Health Secretary, Dies at 75
Masten Childers II, the former secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, has died at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease. He passed away on Thursday in Lexington, where he had been experiencing a marked decline in his health due to the illness.
Childers served as health secretary under former Governor Brereton Jones, holding the position until December 1995. His tenure was marked by significant reforms across various sectors, including juvenile justice, nursing home and daycare oversight, and Medicaid. Colleagues and friends praised his extensive contributions to the state, highlighting his impactful leadership.
Childers was particularly proud of a notable 1995 consent decree established with the U.S. Department of Justice. This decree aimed to reform Kentucky’s juvenile offender system, a cause he passionately supported throughout his career. He expressed disappointment regarding recent investigations into youth abuse claims within this system, emphasizing that adherence to the consent decree could have averted such issues.
While Childers’ management style was often described as intense and challenging, he was also recognized as a capable leader who maintained close friendships with many of his staff members well after his time in office. His personal style included a preference for Brooks Brothers suits and an affinity for cigar smoking, alongside a self-identifier as a “hillbilly” and “country lawyer.”
Born into a wealthy family in Pike County, Kentucky, Childers had a father who was a coal operator and a mother known for her bipartisan support. He shifted his political affiliation from Republican to Democrat in 1977 and took on numerous government roles, including deputy finance secretary and chief of staff for the lieutenant governor. He earned his law degree in 1983 and worked as a law clerk before stepping into authoritative roles within the health services cabinet.
Following his departure from government service, Childers returned to private law practice while maintaining connectedness with former colleagues. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son, MacFarland Childers.
A visitation for Masten Childers II is scheduled for August 27 from 4 to 7 PM at Milward’s-Broadway in Lexington.
Key Contributions of Masten Childers II
- Inaugural Role: Served as secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
- Major Reforms: Implemented significant changes in juvenile justice, welfare, and Medicaid.
- 1995 Consent Decree: Worked with the U.S. Department of Justice for juvenile system reform.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Symptoms can include tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Funeral Services
Friends and family can pay their respects during the visitation, honoring Childers’ legacy and contributions to Kentucky’s health and family services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What significant roles did Masten Childers II hold during his career?
Masten Childers II served as the secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and held various positions in state government, including deputy finance secretary and chief of staff for the lieutenant governor.
What reforms did Childers implement during his tenure?
He implemented significant reforms in juvenile justice and oversaw changes in nursing home, daycare oversight, and Medicaid.
When is the visitation for Masten Childers II?
The visitation is scheduled for August 27 from 4 to 7 PM at Milward’s-Broadway in Lexington.
What was Childers’ connection to the juvenile justice system?
He was instrumental in a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at reforming the juvenile offender system in Kentucky.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Lantern: Self-described Hillbilly in Brooks Brothers Suit
- Tribute Archive: Masten Childers II
- WKYT: Family Files Lawsuit in Day Care Child Abuse Case
- LEX18: Lawyers Seek Answers Following Death of 7-Year-Old
- Kentucky.com: Local Education News
- Wikipedia: Masten Childers II
- Google Search: Masten Childers II
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Masten Childers II
- Google News: Masten Childers
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