Elmer Dale Childress
Elmer Dale Childress, known to friends and family as Dale, passed away on July 22, 2023, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Born on May 27, 1944, in DeSoto, Missouri, Dale was a man of great integrity, resilience, and love for his family and community.
Dale's educational journey started in his hometown, where he attended Hillsboro High School, graduating in 1962. He even transferred to DeSoto High School for his junior year to be closer to his future wife, Judy.
Upon completing high school, Dale moved to California and joined the United States Army. He served his country with honor as a radar operator in the firing process of ballistic missiles while stationed in Illinois. On May 22, 1965, with his mother's blessing and signature, Dale married the love of his life, Judy Boyer. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, the couple moved back to DeSoto, Missouri, where they began their family.
Dale's work history is a testament to his adaptability and dedication. Dale had a brief stint in California working on DC-10’s at Douglas Aircraft. He also completed home courses from DeVry University and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering while living there. Dale then made his return home to Missouri where he held various positions at Chrysler and Haake Manufacturing before embarking on a rewarding career at Western Electric. His role took him across the US, demonstrating his commitment to his work. Dale even completed a Bachelor’s Degree of Science from Tarkio College while continuing to work full time. Dale eventually retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1999, marking the end of a 31-year fulfilling career.
Retirement did not slow Dale down. He moved from Westphalia, Missouri, to Sullivan, making it his final home. Always keen to stay busy, Dale began selling insurance with the Knights of Columbus. He was well-respected for his integrity, selling people only what they needed. His dedication to service extended to his participation in the Knights of Columbus honor guard, where he proudly served as a fourth-degree knight.
Dale had a passion for travel, cars, and horses. He loved to attend car shows with his sons, even running a car show alongside Judy at the Saint Anthony Catholic Parish picnic to raise funds for the church. One of his proudest moments was when his sons built a 1970's Mustang, a car Dale had a particular fondness for. His love for horses led him to breeding, and even traveled to Oklahoma with Judy by his side to attend national and world equine shows. Dale's mechanical skills and common-sense knowledge were a resource for many. He will be so dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
Dale is survived by his loving wife, Judy of Sullivan, MO; two sons, Lonny Childress and Jason Childress and wife Melissa of Sullivan, MO; two grandchildren: Samantha Childress of Kansas City, MO, Madison Childress of Chicago, IL; two step-grandchildren, Joe Hartness and wife Sarah of Jefferson City, MO and Kaylie McKinney and husband Lee of Jefferson City, MO; a brother, Vance Childress of Hillsboro, MO; four sisters: Louise Brennan of Santa Maria, CA, Viola Hinch and husband Willie of Festus, MO, Barbara Amsden and significant other Kenny Miller of Festus, MO, and Marilyn Hill of Festus, MO; two brother in laws, Mark Boyer and wife Debbie of DeSoto, MO, and David Womack and wife Yolanda of Hillsboro, MO; a sister in law, Marilyn Redfield and husband Gordon of Desoto, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alice; a brother, Paul Childress; two sisters, Loucille Bovier and Marie Shopp; his in-laws, Stephen and Fannie Boyer; his stepfather, John Goodwin; five brother in laws: Jim Brennan, Joe Amsden, Lee Boyer, Murrell Boyer, and Lyndall Boyer; three sister in laws, Becky Childress, Norma Boyer and Shirley Boyer.
A Remembrance Memorial Mass will be 11:30 AM, Friday, August 11, 2023 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church with Fathers Paul Telken and Noah Waldman celebrating. Inurnment will follow at the Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation will be 9 - 11 AM, Friday, August 11, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan prior to the funeral mass.
Friends may send their online condolences to Dale’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Sullivan Council or the Saint Anthony Parish and School.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.