Columbus
Robert Lee (Bob) Childs, age 85, of Columbus, died at 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2016, at his home.
He was born in Jackson County, Indiana, on March 19, 1930, the son of Clint and Alma (Robins) Childs. Bob attended schools in Jennings, Bartholomew and Decatur Counties and graduated from Jackson Township High School in Decatur County. He also attended Indiana Business College.
Bob served in the Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, having earned Sergeant First Class while stationed there. Upon returning home from Korea in February, 1954, he resumed courtship and married Jo Etta Allison in September of that year. Together they raised a son and daughter, Daniel and Wendy.
Bob was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and had served on several committees and projects at the Columbus District and the Southern Indiana United Methodist Conference. He was a former member of the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs of Columbus and Hope.
Bob retired from Cummins Engine Company (Cummins, Inc) in 1983 after 34 years of service. He then resumed his love for farming and the out of doors until 2002 when he and Jo moved to Columbus becoming “City Folks”.
Among the pleasures of life, he and Jo liked to travel and had visited every state in the U.S. and several provinces of Canada. With their “home on wheels” they spent several winters in Texas or Florida until age became a factor. Bob also loved the challenges of golf, bowling and euchre as well as social aspects associated with those sports.
Bob was especially proud of the many friends he and Jo have made throughout life and the good times shared. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Sam and Sarah Childs and was so proud of their accomplishments throughout their growing years.
Bob is survived by his wife Jo of 61 years; son, Dan (Darlene) Childs of West Lafayette; daughter, Wendy (Douglas) Brougher of Elizabethtown; grandchildren, Sam Childs of Colorado and Sarah Childs of Indianapolis; sister, Florence Hamilton of Westport; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ruth Irwin of Scipio.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Columbus with the Rev. David Blystone officiating. Bob will be laid to rest in Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Asbury United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.
Friends are invited to light a virtual candle and send a message to the Childs family via the internet.
