Birth date: Dec 22, 1945 Death date: Aug 31, 2018
Mike Childress 1945 - 2018 On August 31, 2018, Mike Childress, 72, took his last breath on earth and entered into the presence of God through his personal faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During his year-long battle wi Read Obituary
Our new found friend at MD Anderson. Tom and I met you on the “ shuttle”.... and your precious Mike sent us a “ pen and ink”. My precious atom lost his battle in January of this year. I’m so sorry for your loss and I know how badly your heart aches. Praying for strength. Deborah Carney, Vidalia, LA.
It has taken me some time to emotionally prepare myself to post this tribute and memory for my beloved 1st Cousin Annette Clutter Childress of Texas, whom I love like a Big Sister. As well as an amazing Man named MIKE.
Ever since that handsome, intelligent, witty, humorous and extremely talented artistic Mike entered into Annette's life when I was a teenager living in Florida, then first met him in Texas on Florida based family travels to Bonham,Texas he and Casey were bonded, accepted and so loved within our family. We had so many family visits together, both in Texas and Florida especially during holidays and those treasured memories there in Bonham, one ancestral home of our Grandmother Edna Snodgrass Clutter originally from Wheeling, TX "VIRGINIA" - later in history West Virginia. Grandma Clutter migrated with family members to Bonham, Texas before the turn of the 20th Century and had 3 children, Annette's Father Joe Paul Clutter Jr, the eldest of siblings, Zalemah Clutter Newcomb and the youngest one, my Father Grant Clutter Jr. all residing then in Bonham, Texas. Mike & Casey became an immediate and permanent fixture in our extended families and are embedded in my heart forever.
Annette and I have always been connected since the day I was born and she first met me and all those visits especially as small kids in Florida, with her family making the trek from Texas to Florida many times with Mike for special family visits at Grandmother Clutter's 2nd home in the little town of OSTEEN, FLORIDA. That home was down the street where my Mother Joyce Allman lived with my Grandma & Grandfather Allman & siblings, cousins, etc. (yes we are and Annette through marriage distant relatives of a famous singing Band with that Allman last name.) Our Grandmothers became instantly best friends and kindred spirits for the rest of their lives, no matter the divide across sates. When my Dad, Annette's Uncle Grant, a Paratrooper during WWII who also proudly served our military like Annette's esteemed Father Joe Paul Clutte Jr. was injured in the line of duty, he was sent back to the states to recover and then came to Osteen, Florida to be with Grandma Clutter and stayed, falling in love with my Mother Joyce Allman who lived down the street and that is where those first life time connections with Cousin Annette, then blessedly not much later, that amazing husband Mike and their son Casey whom Annette was indeed a second Mother. All of them became so loved members across our extended families. Our Grandmothers whether seasons living down the street from each other or via constant contact chatting for hours by phone and yes indeed "keeping tabs on both the Florida and Texas families", always knowing when to put in motion especially Annette as well as Mike and later myself to be there for all family in need..
Mike told me many times even in my late teens, that myself and Annette were for sure destined to be bonded forever. At times holding my shoulder affectionately when in person and so many times with his calming, wise, yes us both always telling family stories, laughing, joking and in both our hearts knowing Annette and I will never be distanced no matter how far we have lived away from each other. Mike would tease me in his wonderful humorous self, saying privately to me that Annette and I were indeed the next generational "Stalwarts of Families" from her and my side of our families and he and I had made many promises that Annette and I would always be there for each other as well as for family members . Annette can confirm and tell stories about how Mike was so accurate in his keen analytically brilliant mind and strategic foresight that her, I and many times my spouse were indeed frantically at times living up to being those Stalwart Family positions.
Annette knows that "An Ocean of Tears to form a Shallow Sea" have been shed together for her and Casey's loss of a Timeless, Respected, Admired Man called MIKE..
The celebration of Mike's life yesterday blessed us with peace and joy as we remembered and honored a man after God's own heart. Mike truly lived his life as a witness of God's unconditional love for all and His plan to save us through His Son, Jesus. We will miss this thoughtful, funny, and very brave man, and we look forward to seeing him again when God calls us home.
Annette, you are an amazing wife, mother and friend. May God continue to give you pace and comfort.
We love you,
Larry and Cindi Christian
Mike, good friend and classmate from Texas A&M chemical engineering school days, you will be missed greatly.
I am glad I got to speak to you recently.
You left a mark on the world to be proud of.
Richard Jares
Annette, I’m so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news of Mike’s passing. I pray you will find comfort in memories shared throughout the years. May God bless you with peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Hey Mike. Ill never forget all the good times we had together - study partners at A&M, catching brim on Toledo bend, squirrel hunting at Buster's place in Tatum, catching crappie at Lake Fork. So many great memories. Thanks for being my friend - my life is definitely better because of you. After all you introduced me to Jan (although I wasn't your first choice as a date for Jan!) Rest in peace good friend.
Tommy
It was my privilege to be Casey's third grade teacher at Pine Tree Elementary School. He was an excellent student, very polite, well mannered, and just a good person. After I met Annette and Mike, I realized these were all positive traits taught in the home. They were parents teachers dream of having for their students. Please find strength in knowing you have my thoughts and prayers.
