Charles Felix Childress

Charles F. (Bobby) Childress. died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, October 9, 2010. Mr. Childress was born in New Orleans on April 18, 1915 and was 95 ½ years old at the time of his death. Mr. Childress was preceded in death by his wife Alvera Rita Zimmermann Childress. He was the son of the late Charles F. (Felix) Childress and Rozina (Rosie) Betz Childress. He is also preceded in death by his siblings and their husbands and/or wives; brother, Paul (Preacher) Childress (Nell), sisters, Beulah C. Kravet (Edmund, Sr.), Theresa C. Comberrel (Frank, Sr.) and Amelia C. Barrios (Roy, Sr.).

He is survived by his daughter, Linda C. Kelly (Herbert, Jr.) and son, Charles F. Childress, Jr. (Marijane Woodruff ); his grandchildren, Terry R. Kelly, Tara Kelly Bologna (Vincent), Dr. Catherine (Katie) Childress Larsson, (J. Martin), Ryan J. C. Kelly (Katherine deVries) and Charles F. (Chuck-Bubby) Childress, III. Also surviving Mr. Childress are his three great grandsons, Nicholas and Christopher Bologna and Sean Kelly. He is also survived by two first cousins, Elvera Betz Zimmerman (Frank, Jr.) and Shirley Betz Miller (Raymond, Sr.). Mr. Childress is also survived by two very special friends, Ms Connie McMillian of Ethel, LA and Ms Jeanne Cichirillo of Mandeville, LA and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Mr. Childress was a retired Master-Shipfitter from Avondale Shipyards. During World War II, he worked at Delta Shipyards where he oversaw the building of the Liberty Ships and worked at Higgins Shipyards building the Higgins Landing Crafts, both of which were vital to winning World War II. He also worked for Delta Life Insurance and Schoen Life Insurance Companies. Mr. Childress was a member of the Sam Dryfuss Masonic Lodge, a longtime member of the Activity Club of New Orleans and a member of Salem United Church of Christ for his entire life. He was the oldest active member of the congregation.

Our family would like to thank the entire staff of Covenant Nursing Home and its residents for the excellent care and companionship given to our Dad. Thank you so very much.

Friends and relatives of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Services to be held at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until service time. Burial will be in the historic Lafayette #1 Cemetery on Washington Avenue and Prytania Street. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Salem United Church of Christ, 4212 Camp Street. New Orleans, LA 70115. For additional information or directions, please call 504-482-2111. Guest book may be signed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.