Gerald D. Childs

Gerald Dennis "Jerry" Childs, age 67, of Battle Creek went to be with his Lord & Savior on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2015 at the Bronson at Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born in Battle Creek on October 14, 1947, the son of Russell W. and Rachel G. (Marshall) Childs and graduated from Lakeview High School with the Class of 1966. He furthered his education at the University of Illinois and Western Michigan University receiving degrees in Aviation Engineering Technology and Business. Jerry faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army from September 1967 to June1969. He retired from the Battle Creek Federal Center in 1993 after many years of dedicated service.

Jerry married the "Love of His Life", Cynthia J. "Cindy" Roberts in Battle Creek on August 23, 1969; she survives. They have been married for 45 years. He is also survived by his children, Jason (Julie) Childs of Nashville, TN and Amy (Jacob) Bolton of Farmington Hills, MI; 5 grandchildren, Grace Childs, Avery Childs, Leah Bolton, Cooper Childs, and Benjamin Bolton; a brother, Lowell (Lola) Childs of Elgin, IL; a sister, Wanda (David) Ford of Peachtree, GA; a brother-in-law, Kent (Joani) Roberts; a sister-in-law, Deborah Johnson, and many nieces & nephews. Jerry was sadly preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Dr. Charles & Martha (Converse) Roberts.

Jerry was a faithful member of the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He enjoyed traveling when he was physically able and loved spending time with his beautiful family.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services to celebrate Jerry¹s life will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church 157 Chapel Hill Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49015 with Pastor Chad M. Parmalee, officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making donations to the church or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Jerry may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.