James Lou Childress

James Lou Childress, 78, of Millfield, died Thursday, October 26, 2023, at his home. Born July 18, 1945, in Athens, he was the son of the late Dennis and Doris Beveridge Childress.

He was a graduate of Chauncey Dover High School and Ohio University with a B.S. in Engineering. He was inducted into the Athens High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Lou proudly served in the US Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. Lou retired from Columbia Gas NiSource. He was a lifetime member of many affiliations. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Lou was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle.

Lou is survived by his wife of 21 years, Bonnie Wanko Childress; daughter, Heather Vail (Jeff) Warmke of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Madison and Luke Warmke of Pittsburgh, PA; sister, Debra Childress West of Albany; nephew, Travis (Carma) West of Albany; niece, Kelly West of Athens; great niece, Raegan West; many cousins; and special friends, Charles and Patricia Robinette.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Jody Childress; brother-in-law, Barry West; and in-laws, John and Faye McCaman Wanko.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville, with Pastor Chad Huebner officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville, with Military Honors by the Combined Color Guard. Friends may visit from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com