John Childs

John David Childs, our father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather, 93, passed away quietly and peacefully on December 30, 2014, in Meridian, Idaho, while staying with his daughter. He was born April 10, 1921, in Centerfield, Utah to Hubert and Johanna Jensen Childs. David grew up in Centerfield until age 18 when he went to Ely, Nevada and found work on the railroad. When he was 19 he joined the Coast Guard and was stationed on the East Coast during World War II. He met Reba Irene Rowe while he was home on leave from the military. David and Irene were married and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on February 21, 1945. Irene immediately joined him back east and there they started their family. After David was discharged from the service they returned home to Utah, lived in various towns until finally settling in Salt Lake. David was always employed in a capacity that used his skills as a welder, plumber, pipefitter, or refrigeration mechanic. His longest employment was as a journeyman refrigeration mechanic for Wernli Refrigeration for 24 years until his retirement. David was a faithful member of the LDS church and served in many callings in Sunday School, Elders quorum, Bishoprics, including Bishop, and High Council. He and Irene served two LDS missions, the first in the Tennessee Nashville Mission and the second at the LDS Employment Office. David also served as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Jordan River Temple for many years. David worked hard and always provided well for his family. He was very skilled and knowledgeable and was considered a jack of all trades. He was always quick to serve family, friends and neighbors with any needed help. David had a great love for his family and was fiercely loyal to all of them. He had an extremely deep love and dedication for his wife of 66 years. He worked tirelessly to care for her during the last years of her life. Irene died in January 2012. David always had a quick-witted remark or a corny joke, and could be heard either whistling or humming a familiar tune or a new one of his own. He loved to tell anyone who was leaving after a visit, “Sure glad you got to see me.” David is survived by his children, Terry (Roger) Kimber – West Jordan, Tim (Linda) – Santa Clara, Van (Margie) – Murray, Marc (Bridget) – West Valley City, Todd (Pam) – Riverton, Trudy (John) Lopez – Meridian, Idaho, 30 Grandchildren, and many great and great great grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, sons Randy and John, one grandchild, and one great grandchild. A viewing will be held Monday January 5, 2015, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Lake Hills Mortuary located at 10055 So. State Street, Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Tuesday January 6, 2015, at 11:00 am with a viewing one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Lake Hills Cemetery following the funeral.