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Gary Childs Obituary
PEORIA - Gary Childs, 58, of Peoria passed away peacefully at 1:19 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at his home with his family by his side.
He was born Aug. 23, 1954, in Peoria, Ill., to Harry W. and Marjorie (Meinen) Childs. He married JoAnn Laurenzana in Springfield, Ill., on April 1, 1978. She survives.
Also surviving are his father, Windy Childs; mother, Marjorie (Don) Sefried; one daughter, Katie Childs; one sister, Julie (Lenore) Childs; and two stepbrothers, Rich and Ron.
Gary attended Bradley University and earned his master's degree in journalism at the University of Illinois. He worked as a journalist at the Suburban Tribune in Chicago and for 30 years at the Peoria Journal Star, where he became the Assistant Sports Editor in 2003.
He was a board member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, former board member of the Illinois Valley Striders, member of the Lincoln Land Community College Athletic Hall of Fame and Illinois State Chairman for the Heisman Trophy Committee. He was also the co-founder of the Steamboat Classic Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted during post-race festivities in June of this year.
Gary set the bar very high for being a diehard Yankees fan.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Peoria, where visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, with Father Donald Henderson officiating. Further visitation will be one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria. Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his memory to Bradley University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Childs
George Andrews
September 3, 2023
Gary was a Dear Friend and I miss him a lot-
George Andrews
September 4, 2020
I was fortunate to have shared many several sports events with Gary-Class Act
October 5, 2012
JoAnn,
I just found out about Gary's passing. I know we didn't keep in touch, but I still think of you often. My youngest is now at LLCC, and walking the halls with him on visitation day made me think of some of those good old days. My heart is with you.
Karen (Keeley) McVickers
George Andrews
October 1, 2012
I just found out about Gary's passing
He was good friend and a decent man
He will be missed
May God Bless His Soul
James and Diane Geiger
September 12, 2012
Gary left this world too soon, and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
May you be comforted by the memories and
qualities of his life, he left with you.
Dawn and Mark Wicks
September 12, 2012
JoAnn, Michelle just told me the sad news. We will always remember Gary as a warm person with a great sense of humor. Mark said it seems like just yesterday that we last saw you, even though it has been 20 years. Please get in touch if you are in the area. Our deepest sympathy, fondly, Dawn and Mark
Mary Therese Veile (Reeder)
September 12, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. Graduating in our class of 72, I was so surprized to attend the Allumni dinner in Chillicothe in June and there was Gary and Windy. There was only us 2 to represent 1972. I am glad I had a chance to spend the evening with him. A great person!
Esther Webber
September 11, 2012
JoAnn and the family of Gary Childs,
So sorry to read of the untimely passing of Gary. It's always so hard to lose a loved one, especially before their time. May the grace of God sustain you at this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Lynne (Snedden) Smith OSF Respiratory Care
September 11, 2012
To JoAnn and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.. Love to you all!
Suzanne Fitzpatrick
September 11, 2012
Joann & Katie,
My sincere symthpathy to you both. Will keep you both in our prayers. I would have been at the visitation but just heard about Gary.
John Philyaw
September 11, 2012
My sincere condolences to JoAnn, Katie, Coach Windy, Marjorie, Julie and family.
Garry Slabaugh
September 11, 2012
To JoAnn, Katie, and family. Was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have always greatly admired and respected you guys and your kindness and humor. God bless you with His comfort in Christ. Love, Garry Slabaugh, former resp student
Debra Dalton
September 11, 2012
To the Family of Gary Childs,
I remember Gary well from our high school years at IVC. May he now rest in peace and may God give you his comfort and support.
Doug Carroll
September 10, 2012
Gary was a blast to hang with. There was nothing better than talking over the day, after deadline, with him. The smallest details amused him. In fact, that's sort of how we gave him the nickname "Small" at the Champaign News-Gazette. He had covered a high school football game one evening and told us afterward how one of the coaches, a local legend, had accepted an award by saying it was worthy of a "small thank-you." No small token of appreciation, this, but rather a small thank-you. Gary loved this kind of stuff. But there was nothing small about Gary. He had a huge heart and he loved people, particularly those who shared his affinity for a well-turned phrase. He was must reading on the Illini beat for the Journal Star, but he was must KNOWING for all of us.
Jim Mattson
September 10, 2012
Prayers go out to Gary's family and friends. I always loved reading Gary's Illini stories. But greatest memory is his pride in Katie. Peoria area sports fans were blessed to enjoy his work for so long.
Dave Snell
September 10, 2012
I was blessed to know Gary as a friend and media member. Always remember his smile! He was so very intelligent, and always learned something from him.
He did talk of his family and loved them very much.
I will miss him very much, but his spirit lives on in what he meant to me and my life. My prayers to his family!
Joe Childs
September 10, 2012
To all of the family of Gary: Gary was a fine individual who loved his family so much. At a time like this, it is hard to express in words this terrible loss. I will remember this man for the rest of my years. His life is with God now & he isn't suffering anymore. God Bless You All! Love, Joe
September 10, 2012
I am so sorry to hear the news of Gary's passing. I have known Gary and his Mom and Dad since he was in high school in Chillicothe. My mom worked with his mom and dad there. I loved running in to him and talking IVC sports as well as I always asked about his parents. He was always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and extended sports family. I am sure Wiggy (mom) gave him a huge hug in heaven. Mike Ratcliff
Lisa Brooks
September 10, 2012
Very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. Just remember he is no longer suffering.
Jenelle, Julie, Jessica, Donna, and Steve Deatherage
September 10, 2012
Gary Childs was truly a class acrt. What a pleasure to sit and talk to at cross country and track meets. He never missed a beat. It was a joy to hear him talk about his daughter and her swimming prowess. An excellent journalist, a great individual
Carla Ramlo
September 10, 2012
Katie and Family we are so very sorry for your loss and hold your family in prayer at this time....The Ramlo's Tremont, IL
christi smith
September 9, 2012
Dear Katy,
I am the head receptionist at PJS. I feel as I know you, he talked of you all the time. He loved following your swimming. Shared many stories about you. You were the apple of his eye and He was sooo proud of you. We will miss him here at PJS. We lost a great journalist. We are sooo sorry for your great loss.He was a good family man who loved his family.
Mike Parsons
September 9, 2012
To the Childs family, Gary was a class act. I worked with Gary over 20 yrs ago. He helped me out with stories during high school football and basketball seasons. He made me feel great when he said he liked my article. I was new and felt like part of the sports team. Again sorry for your loss.
September 9, 2012
I met Gary in the 80"s while I was working at WHOW Radio in Clinton and was covering the Illini football games..He always would ask how Clinton had done the nite before and always greeted me by my name..My sympathies to his family..He'll be missed..Kevin Wahl Clinton,Ill
Lynn Banister
September 9, 2012
To Gary's family, I am sending prayers for you to have strength in the time ahead. I was a classmate at IVC and remember him as a guy that was always smiling.
Brett Halbleib
September 9, 2012
I fondly remember Gary from the years we worked together at the PJ Star. He was a fine and skilled journalist and a thoughtful and helpful co-worker. He will be missed. My condolences to Gary's family and the PJ Star staff. I'm grateful for the time I shared with Gary.
September 9, 2012
I feel fortunate to have known Gary in his element -- covering the games and personalities he loved in a way only he could. It has been an honor to be considered among his many, many friends.
Blessings to your family.
Mark Tupper
Barbara A Belt
September 9, 2012
Joanne&Katie,I'm so sorry for your loss.I've been keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayer.May the Lord be with the both of you.
Rich & Kim Borquist
September 9, 2012
saddened to hear of Gary's passing. Our prayers & condolences to family. May you find solice in God's Grace.
Janet Augustine
September 9, 2012
So very sorry for your loss....
Richard & Cathy Bartlow
September 9, 2012
So sorry to read of Gary's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers--Windy, Marj, Julie, and families.
Jim and Judi Thornton
September 9, 2012
Gary, his stories, and big smile will truly be missed. He was a good friend, family member, and humanitarian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Greg & Vicki Owens
September 9, 2012
Gary was a true inspiration, rest in peace, dear friend! Our hearts and prayers are with his family.
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