LTC Hubert Childress, United States Army, Ret.

Hubert Childress was born August 26, 1929 in Coleman, Texas and passed away on February 12, 2011, at the age of 81, in Temple, Texas.

Hubert was a graduate of Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, Texas. He was commissioned an Officer in the United States Army in 1952.

Hubert retired from the Army in 1972 after more than twenty years of service, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service included the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. His many military decorations include the Legion of Merit, multiple awards of the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

After retirement, Hubert worked for the Bell County, Texas Adult Probation Department and retired from there in 1995. His many religious activities include serving his church as the Chairman of the Deacons, Treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He was a member of Gideon’s Killeen Camp and was a past member of the Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed bowling in the Hallmark and Fort Hood Bowling Leagues.

Funeral services were held on February 18 at the Pershing Park Baptist Church in Killeen, Texas. Present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the family and friends as they arrived for the services. The service included a congregational singing of “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.”

After the service, the Riders, on an even dozen motorcycles, led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen. The procession was greeted there with fifty American flags blowing in the Texas wind.

The United States Army Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the coach into the committal shelter. The Riders then formed a line of American flags along the entrance to the shelter.

Pastor Joda Weston offered final prayers, and full military honors were rendered by the Honor Guard.

The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The Honor Guard then folded the American flag that covered the silver casket into the traditional triangle and presented it to Andrewetta, Hubert’s dear wife of 57 years, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for his many years of dedicated service.

Hubert was then laid to rest on the plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, one son, a daughter, two brothers, three sisters, one granddaughter, two great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family, friends and church family.

A Note from Heaven

If I could write from Heaven, this is what I’d say,
Please don’t miss me too much,
I’m with you throughout your day.
You may not see or hear me, but if you’re quiet and still,
You may just feel my presence;
Because, in heaven there is free will.
Don’t worry for the day, it will come and go as planned,
Enjoy each moment you are given,
keep worry from your hand.
Keep sorrow to a minimum; for if heaven you could see,
You’d know I’m safe and happy,

I did not cease to be. Moments in time are brief,
Until we’ll be together again,
as Eternity lasts forever,
our lives, they have no end.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.