Sept. 4, 1930 - May 5, 2013
SOUTH BEND - John Wesley Childress, Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by his devoted children. John was born on September 4, 1930 to Isaac Childress, Sr. and Birdie Mayes Childress in Youngstown, Ohio. At an early age, John moved with his parents and siblings to Mounds, Illinois. John graduated from Douglas High School, where he was an accomplished athlete and scholar. After graduating from high school, John enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was honorably discharged. After his discharge from the Navy, John moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he met the love of his life, Evelyn E. Hill. On October 28, 1950, John and Evelyn were united in holy matrimony. To this union seven children were born. John, a diehard Cubs fan, retired from Ameritech in 1991, after 36 years of service. John was a member of St. Peter's Lodge #31 F&AM, where he served as Past Worshipful Master, Junior Warden, and Senior Warden. John was also Junior Warden of Wabash Consistory No. 77. In 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John received the 33°, the highest Degree bestowed in the Scottish Rite Masonry. John was also a member of the United States Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction USA. John was baptized in 1985 by the late Reverend Dave Davis, Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member until he united with Pilgrim Baptist Church so that he and his wife, Evelyn, could attend church together. On April 1, 2007, John and Evelyn united with Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Stephen Perkins, with whom they shared a special bond, and where they both remained members until their passing. John's beloved wife, Evelyn, father and mother, Isaac and Birdie Childress, and brothers, Isaac Childress, Jr., and William ("Frank") Childress, preceded him in death. John leaves to forever cherish his memory, his seven devoted children: John Childress, Jr., Ronald (Krystal) Childress, Sr., Sharla Childress-Anderson, Jacqueline Childress-Mitchell, Kevin Childress, Dana Childress-Jones and Bryan (Brenda) Childress; his twelve loving grandchildren: Torlando (Suzette) Childress, Ronald Childress, Jr., Anthony Childress, Tofica Trotter, Shanice ("Princess") Anderson, Kalyn Childress, Kei (MaKeisha) Childress, John Trotter, GeDa' Lea ("Dutchie") Jones, Lauren Renee ("Countess") Mitchell, Edwin Perkins and Jaila ("Angel") Childress, as well as his ten great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his siblings, Mildred Gadson, Melvin Childress, Frances Cattledge, James ("Chub") Childress, and Wilburn Childress; a special cousin, Ida Pittman; and his extended family, Edward & Lena Perkins, as well as a vast number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. John was a true inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He will be forever missed. Arrangements: Saturday, May 11, 2013: Masonic Rites Ceremony 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, followed by visitation from 11:00 AM to 12 noon, with funeral service at 12 noon, at Faith Baptist Church, 1002 Blaine Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616, (574) 233-6428, Pastor Stephen Perkins officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford's Mortuary. "We invite you to leave the family an online message of condolence and or sign our guest book at: www.alfordsmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Dana Childress-Jones, Loving Daughter.
Happy Birthday, Dad.
Continue Resting in Peace.
Love and will Miss you forever!!
Dana `D´
Dana Childress-Jones
Family
September 4, 2023
Mr Childress, will always be remembered and never forgotten because of his love for family and his fellow man. May God continue to bless the Childress Family.
JOE E DUKE SR
Friend
May 2, 2023
John was a friend who always was willing to help in anyway he could. He has been missed, but never forgotten.
JOE DUKE SR.
Friend
September 6, 2022
Happy Birthday, Dad.
Still missing you.
Love You forever, Dana `D´
Dana Childress-Jones
Family
September 4, 2022
6/19/2022
Happy Father´s Day, to the Greatest Father Ever!!
Dad, what a Blessing you were. I will love and miss you forever.
Dana `D´
Dana Childress-Jones
Family
June 20, 2022
Happy Birthday, Dad! Still missing you.
Love You Forever, Dana `D´
Dana Childress-Jones
Family
September 4, 2021
Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I am thinking of you and still missing your kind, quiet and loving spirit.
Continue resting in peace, Dad!
I will love and miss you forever!
Dana Childress-Jones
Daughter
June 20, 2021
Happy Veterans Day, Dad!
Still missing you.
Love You Forever, Dana ‘D’
Dana Childress-Jones
Daughter
November 11, 2020
Happy Birthday, Dad! Still miss you!
Love You Forever,
Dana ‘D’
Dana Childress-Jones
Daughter
September 4, 2020
Happy 90th Birthday to my first love! Thank you for asking God to place your loving, gentle, joyous spirit in my son. He is brilliant, kind and handsome, just like you.
There is never a day that I am not grateful for you. Miss you and Gram. You guys have fun today!
Love always & forever,
Duchess
GeDá Jones Herbert
September 4, 2020
Happy Fathers Day, Dad!
Love and Miss You forever.
D
Dana Childress-Jones
Daughter
June 21, 2020
I miss you, Dad!
Dana D'
Dana Childress-Jones
December 6, 2019
Love and miss you.
Barbara Childress
November 28, 2019
Happy Birthday, Dad! I still of and miss you every day.
I will love and miss you forever.
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
Daughter
September 4, 2019
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Love and Miss you forever!
Dana D'
Dana Childress-Jones
June 17, 2018
At work listening to Whitney Houston's first album, researching African American history in Brownsville, TN, feeling my little boy wiggle around in my belly, and missing my beloved grandparents with all of my heart. Know that you will never be forgotten or replaced. You two still and will always hold my heart.
gljh
April 3, 2018
Happy 67th Wedding Anniversary, Dad!
Love and Miss you and Mom Forever!
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
October 28, 2017
Happy Birthday, Dad! You were the greatest man I have ever known!
I think of and miss you every day.
Love and miss you forever!
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
September 4, 2017
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
You were the greatest man I have ever known.
Love You Forever!!
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
June 18, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May your pain be eased by these words,
"The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it."
~Proverbs 37:29
June 18, 2017
Happy Memorial Day, Dad! Thank you for serving our Country (and our family) so honorably.
Love and miss you forever!
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jobes
May 29, 2017
Merry Christmas, Dad!
Still missing you each and every day.
I will Love and miss you forever.
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
December 25, 2016
Dad, the Cubs win!!!! World Series Champions for you!!! I know you are smiling!!!
Continue Resting in Peace, Dad.
Love and miss you forever!
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
November 3, 2016
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Eternally grateful for you!!
Love you forever, Dana
Dana Childress-Jones
September 4, 2016
Happy Birthday, Dad.
I think about and miss you more and more every day.
Love You forever!
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
September 4, 2016
In Memoriam
John Wesley
Childress, Sr.
Sep. 4, 1930 - May 5, 2013
Happy Father's Day, Dad. You were God's greatest gift to us. Deeply Loved and Forever Missed.
Your Children, Grandchildren and Great Children
Published in South Bend Tribune on June 19, 2016
Dana Childress-Jones
June 20, 2016
Happy Father's Day, Dad! Missing you more and more every day.
I will LOVE and miss you forever.
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
June 19, 2016
Wonderful man! This was my uncle. Loved him dearly.
Marsha Childress-Jones
June 19, 2016
Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you and Mom more and more each day!
GeDa' is getting married in New Orleans in two days. I know, hard to believe. Where has the the gone? I wish you and Mom could be here with us in New Orleans to celebrate with us. But the two of you are in our hearts, where you shall forever remain.
I will love and miss you forever, Dad. Continue Resting in Peace.
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
September 4, 2015
Happy Father's Day, Dad. GeDa' and I were talking about you today. We both miss you more than words can express. Our lives are so incomplete without you.
Love and Miss you forever, Dad.
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
June 21, 2015
Happy Father's Day, Dad! GeDa' and I were talking about you today. We both miss you so very much. Our lives are so incomplete without you.
Continue Resting in Peace until we see eachother again.
I will Love and Miss you forever, Dad.
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
June 21, 2015
Dad: I am so very Thankful for you! Because of your Deep Love, guidance, encouragement, and patience, I am who I am.
Love and Miss You Forever,
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
November 27, 2014
Happy 64th Anniversary, Mom and Dad.
Words cannot express how much I love and miss you.
Dana Childress-Jones
October 28, 2014
Happy Birthday, Dad! I miss you more and more each day!
Love and Miss You Forever,
With All My Love,
Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
September 4, 2014
GREATEST UNCLE EVER!
TERRI HILL
June 15, 2014
Happy Father's Day, Dad! Words cannot express how much I miss and love you. Life is just not the same without you.
Until I see you again, Dad, please continue resting in peace.
With All My Love,
Dana "D"
Love You
Dana Childress-Jones
June 15, 2014
Dana Childress-Jones
May 5, 2014
Dad: One year ago today, God called you home. Although I miss you more than words can ever express and am still heartbroken, I know you are happy again now that you are with Mom. Until I see you and Mom again, please rest in peace, my Wonderful and much Beloved Dad.
Love You forever,
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
May 5, 2014
Thinking of you (Like I do many days). Almost a year later, and I still refuse to accept the fact that you are gone. I just take comfort in knowing that you are happy and that you still love us. You will always mean the world to me.
xo
May 2, 2014
Dad, I miss you so very much!
Love You forever,
Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
March 26, 2014
Dad: Today you and Mom celebrate your 63rd Anniversary. Although I still miss you very much, I know you are very happy and at peace now that you and Mom are together again.
Love You Forever, Dad.
Dana
Dana Childress-Jones
October 28, 2013
Dad, I miss you so very much!! I am trying very hard to be strong and happy, but my life is just not the same without you. Oh, how I miss you, Dad!
Love and Miss you forever, Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
September 16, 2013
I still don't quite have the words... I don't know if I ever will; but, I will NEVER let go of the love, admiration, and devotion that I have for you. You may never know how much you've meant to me. You taught me what love is. You are my heart, and I am yours forever. xoxo
~your eternally grateful granddaughter
September 15, 2013
Happy Birthday, Dad! I think of and miss you everyday. Love You Forever, Dad
With All My Love, Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
September 4, 2013
Dad: Today is GeDa's Birthday. This is her first Birthday without you. She misses you so very much, and so do I.
Love and Miss you FOREVER!
Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
June 24, 2013
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Love and Miss you forever!!
Dana "D"
P. S. Looking at this picture reminds me of the wonderful times we shared together as a family. I will forever miss you and those days, Dad.
Dana Childress-Jones
June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day, Dad! Not a day goes by that I do not miss you and shed a tear. But, I know you are at peace now and with Mom, which makes my pain more bearable.
I will be coming to South Bend later today to visit you and Mom.
Love and miss you Forever, Dad
Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
June 16, 2013
I miss you Dad!
Love and Miss You Forever,
Dana
Dana Childress-Jones
June 6, 2013
I miss you Dad.
Love You Forever,
Dana
Dana Childress-Jones
June 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Beverly Perry & Fanily
May 16, 2013
To the Childress Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of bereavement. Look to God for strength and comfort. Matt. 4:5. Beautiful memories lasting beyond.
Love,
Myra L. Butts & Mrs. Willie Mae Butts
May 15, 2013
Mr John Childress was a good friend to all of the young men who were fortunate enough to work for Indiana Bell. He was a kind and supportive man, encouraging the young brothers to hang in there. May god bless his family. I will continue to pray for your comfort and peace during your time of sorrow. Love you all.
Joe E. Duke Sr.
May 15, 2013
My condolences to the John Wesley Childress family.
May 14, 2013
Our condolences go out to the Childress family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Warren & Cynthia, Skyler & Aaden Williams
May 14, 2013
Dad: I feel so empty without you. The house is so quiet. (I miss the loud TV.) On Sunday, we visited the cemetery to leave flowers for Mom for Mother's Day and to tell the two of you how very much we miss you. Though I am very sad and lonely without you and Mom, the only comfort I get is knowing that the two of you are together again.
Love and Miss You and Mom Forever,
Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
May 14, 2013
Pop, words cannot express the ache in my heart due to your death. I am saddened by the lost yet, comforted by the fact you are not longer in pain. I thank THE LORD for the great,loving and supportive daddy you have been to all of us. I will forever carry your love in my heart. Rest in Peace.
Sharla
May 13, 2013
My condolences to the Childress Family for your loss .I remember Mr Childress as a neighbor who was very humble. May God continue to give you peace thru the Comforter .God Bless
Sharon Moore
South Bend
May 11, 2013
Jackie and Lauren, our prayers are continually with you. May God hold you, keep you and give you strength during this time.
Hailey Family
May 11, 2013
I am sorry to hear of the lost of your loved one. May
God Bless each of you. My prayers are with you.
Len & Linda Williams & family
Linda Williams
May 10, 2013
Ronnie, Sharla and Jacqueline, ...Be encouraged in the passing of your father. My prayers are with you...
Howard White, formally of South Bend/LaSalle now residing in Monee,IL
Howard White
May 10, 2013
sorry to hear about your dad he was so special. praying for the family the memories of him will always be in your heart love aunt Dorothy Hill
May 10, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 10, 2013
Condolences to the Childress family. May fond memories comfort you at this diffcult time. I pray that your father resst in heavenly peace.
Avis Smith
May 9, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Ill.Gary & Linda Williams
Gary W. & Linda R. Williams
May 9, 2013
We are very sorry to hear about your loss We the members of King David's Lodge number 53 Elkhart Indiana Send the family of John Wesley Childress sr. our deepest sympathy,love&prayers, to all family members loved ones and friends and may God keep you all in strength and perseverance. Worshipful Master James young.
James E. Young
May 9, 2013
To the Childress family. So sorry for the loss of your Father. I remember him as a very nice man. May God give you all comfort.
Gregory Carter
May 9, 2013
Dana I was sadden to hear of the passing of your dad.May God comfort,strengthen,and give you peace..Remember "Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal." Praying for you and your family...
Ruby Walker
May 9, 2013
Uncle Johnnie will truly be missed.
Diana Gadson-Jennings
May 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Esker Ligon
May 9, 2013
Dana, Ron & the Childress family. We are sorry to hear about your lost. May God comfort you in your time of need.
Douglas & Helen Outlaw
May 8, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
charles lottie
May 8, 2013
Mr. Childress I thank and love you for the love you provided for my children Toficia, Kalyn and John, and myself. A wonderful Grandfather to them is exactly what you are, and will always be. Never forgotten in our hearts, as love never leaves those you cherish.
Rest ....In peace and serenity
Felecia Trotter
May 8, 2013
To the Childress Family Mouse" Our Prayers are with you all love you all
Mike & Gail Howard
May 8, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Charles E. Lottle
May 8, 2013
Mouse,I was truly sorry to hear about the loss of your love one.Uncle will be miss dearly.He always greet you with a warm small and a open heart.My prayer are with the family.
Cheryl Leonard
May 8, 2013
Our dear friend Dana,
We are sorry to hear that your dear father has passed away. Our hearts and prayers goes out to you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.
Kyle & Lori Ann Bowerman
May 8, 2013
John was a friend and fellow employee at the telephone company for many years. A gentleman and baseball fan that will truly be missed
Lynn Nemeth
May 8, 2013
Dana, I just read about you dad. He was a good man and will be missed. My condolences to you and your family are heart-felt.
Clyde Austin
May 8, 2013
Dad: The best part of my morning was waking up and seeing you; the best part of my afternoon was coming home from work and seeing you; the best part of my evening was spending it with you.
I am heartbroken without you, and my life will NEVER be the same.
With all my Love, Dana 'D'
Dana Childress-Jones
May 8, 2013
Dear Family,
Uncle John's quiet demeanor will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love,
Rosalind Alexander
May 8, 2013
I LOVE you Dad, and I will miss you forever!! You can now rest and join Mom.
Dana "D"
Dana Childress-Jones
May 8, 2013
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