from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — John C. Childress Sr., 85, of Harrington, Del., died April 28, 2015, from the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford.

Mr. Childress was born in Hartly, to the late Thomas and Laura Childress. He served his country proudly in the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict, but served stateside.

He worked for Playtex of Dover for many years, before he started working with horses. His passion was working as a Standardbred driver and trainer, which he did for more than 42 years. He truly loved working with horses.

Mr. Childress was a down to earth man who loved to spend time with his family. He enjoyed cutting the grass and gardening. He will be remembered as a sweet, precious man who was always available to give good advice. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Childress was a member of the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association, Harness Association, and the Standardbred Horse Lovers United. He was a member of the Denton Wayside Church of Christ. He was a faithful bible reader and enjoyed listening to Jimmy Swaggert.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn; son, John Jr.; daughters, Linda Boelens, Betty Truitt and Nancy Noble; sister, Ennis Schaeffer; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas; and a sister, Hazel Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Horse Lovers United, Inc., P. O. Box 2744, Salisbury, MD 21802.