Richard Ernest Childress was born to Luther Ernest Childress (deceased) and Anna Marie Childress (of Hiawatha KS). He is one of 5 siblings. He was born on March 23rd, 1948 in Aberdeen Washington and lived his early childhood years in Hoquiam Washington. The family later moved to southern California where they spent their childhoods living in various parts of the Orange County area where he remained into his 20s.
Richard served his country in the US army as an E6 Staff Sergeant and was wounded in action during his 2 year tour of duty in Vietnam. He received an army commendation medal for his meritorious service and acts of heroism!
After returning from Vietnam he met and married Debbie and the two settled in Hiawatha KS where they raised a family. Richard continued to live in Hiawatha until he passed away on the evening of Sunday November 17th. 2024.
Richard was a born again Christian saved by grace and his loved ones find comfort in knowing that he is in the presence of God enjoying perfect health and peace!
Richard is survived in death by his mother Anna Marie Childress of Hiawatha KS, sister Meria (Steve) Harness of Fairview KS, sister Judy (Michael) Shirley of Horton KS, brother Ronald (Beth) Childress of Hiawatha KS, Janice Cook of Corona Del Mar CA, his children Matthew (Andrea) Johnson of Ladera Ranch CA, Wayne (Lisa) Childress of Shawnee KS, Abigail (Jeff) Compton of Hiawatha KS, David (Briana) Childress of Hiawatha KS, Marianna (Kasey) Milne of Overland Park KS, Bethany (Jeremy) Tarwater of Lenexa KS.
Richard lived a storied and full life, in that life he held many titles and positions and was known as many things, son, brother, husband, father, veteran, sergeant, farmer, trucker, patriot, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, neighbor, but if you ask him the title he held in most regard and of which he was most abundantly proud was the title of “papa”!
“Papa” leaves behind EIGHTEEN treasured and greatly adored grandchildren, Andrew 18, Kyler 18, Bentley 17, Jaxon 15, Mason 14, Ashley 14, Leighton 13, Tildyn 13, Ellianna 12, Ethan 11, Ava 9, Lillian 9, Cora 8, Kaine 8, Ryane 7, Anabel 7, Evelyn 4, and Banks 20 months.
