Howard Childs
January 13, 1932 ~ July 12, 2008
Howard Duane Childs, 76 years and 181 days, of Highmore, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008 peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and special friends after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
Funeral services were 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with David Peterson officiating. Burial was in the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.
He was born January 13, 1932 to Roy and Catherine (McManus) Childs in Killdeer, North Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Killdeer High School in 1951 followed by work that included ranching, grocery store clerk, forestry and construction.
Howard married Patricia Ruth Stalwick on April 13, 1963 at Zion Lutheran Church in Berthold, North Dakota. He began his career in telephone in Richardton, North Dakota which continued in McLaughlin, South Dakota. In 1975 he and his family moved to Highmore where he began work with the Sully Buttes Telephone Cooperative. He retired in 1995 after 32 years in the telephone business.
Howard enjoyed all people and never met a stranger. Some of his favorite activities were visiting his children and grandchildren, daily coffee visits with friends, playing cards, following professional rodeo, and supporting high school athletics in Highmore.
Howard was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Highmore.
Grateful to have shared in Howard’s life is his loving wife, Patricia; two children: Guy (Tammy) Childs of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Lori (Jim) Schnell of Rocklin, California; six grandchildren: Kayla, Cory, and Morgan Childs and Emily, Justin, and Jeremy Schnell; two sisters: Kathleen (Pat) Fleming of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Virginia Swanson of Geneva, Illinois; two half aunts: Drusilla Zubke and Darlene Krieger; his half uncle, Durwood Childs, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Darcy Duane; his parents, Roy and Catherine Childs; a nephew, Daniel Fleming; his aunts: Gene McDermand, Florence Timm, Margaret Emes; an uncle: Charles McManus; a half uncle, Don Childs; his grandparents: Frank and Nellie Childs and Charles and Mary McManus; and his step-grandmother Gladys Childs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Steps for Hope, c/o Gladys Volek, PO Box 527, Highmore, SD 57345 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 5200 S. Cliff Ave, Suite 102, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Howard’s arrangements.
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Family Im Going to miss Howards smile and pleasent greeting. He would always say hi. The man had a love of softball and I asume baseball. Wish we could have talked more.God Bless Him!The world needs more people like Howard. Sympathy, Bret Bloomenrader.,
May God’s Love comfort you in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Knox’s Doug, Mary, Grace & Mason
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Knowing that Howard is at peace with our Lord will help you find peace as well. Noreen
So sorry to hear about Howard…for years I have simply called him the miracle man. He always loved the song the Green Green Grass of Home…no doubt he is enjoying the grass in his new home…God bless and comfort you all.
The Days
Pat, Guy & family, Lori & family:
So sorry to hear that you have lost a loving husband, father, and grandfather. You must remember that he is now with his special angel, and no more suffering.
We will always remember the visits we had when Howard was in the Pierre hospital, the same time, when we were there with Louise.
God Bless
Irv & Pat
Dear Pat and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray you will be consoled with the many good memories of Howard. I will always remember the joy he shared with others.
Fr. Dave Axtmann
Pat & Family,
I was so very saddened to hear that Howard had passed away but yet happy that he will no longer have to suffer. When the knocks on the window ceased I knew that things were not going good for him for he never missed a day. I will miss that knock and seeing that cheery smile and wave. He was such a great person and will be missed by so many. Your in my thoughts and prayers. I know that Howard is looking down on us knocking from heavens window at all of us. God Bless Kathy
Pat and family, Our hearts go out to you as we all mourn the loss of such a special man! Howard always had that smile on his face that just warmed you when you met him. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you face the days ahead.
Terry & Paula
As I try to write words are hard to find. I just watched the video tribute to Howard and what a powerful tribute it was! The music was such a testiment to Howards faith and we can all be remeinded how we should live our lives. It is in the simple blessings we have been given- it reminds us how presious a baby is- how beautiful the sunset is, the love for our siblings, special friends, and our family. I also had a laugh or two when I saw the changes is hair (Pat I’m speaking of you here too!) The clothing, home decor, and glasses. Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We will miss you.
Brian, Susan and boys
Pat, Guy, Lori and families, I am saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In a town full of character (and characters) like Highmore, I remember him as always being an amazingly positive, pleasant and upbeat person. I can truthfully say I can’t recall a single instance when he was anything but those things. Words from a sympathy card we received (and I cherished and saved) when my dad passed: Imagine your loved one, in God’s warm embrace. With no pain or teardrops on their face. Imagine your loved one, now Smiling at you. From a place where no Sorrow can ever come through!
Guy, Lori and Family – You have my family’s sincerest condolences on your loss. We will keep your Father and you in our prayers. God Bless.
HOWARD WAS A GREAT SUPPORTER OF THE SCHOOL AND IT’S ACTIVITIES,OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
Steven Selchert and family
Pat and family. I was very sadden to hear about Howards passing. I have thought of you both alot threw the years I’ve been gone from Highmore. I always remember Howard with a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. I always envied the love between you and Howard. You had a love not everyone has. You are all in my thouhts and prayers. Kathy
Lori – I just heard about your dad’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.