David T. Childs
October 19, 1938 ~ February 19, 2021
David T. Childs, 82, died Friday, February 19, 2021. Services at a later date. David was a music professor at Wichita State University for 23 yrs, head of the music department at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN for 12 yrs, and was choir master and organist at St. John's Episcopal Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Katherine Childs; infant daughter, Jennifer Childs; siblings, Linda Davis, Robert Childs, Ruth Zimmer, Doris Foss. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeanette Childs; daughters, Jacinda (Kenneth) Ellis, Jocelyn Childs; grandchildren, Kolby, Kendra, Allison, Sarah. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Concordia College, Advancement Office for Music Department, 901 8th St S, Moorhead, MN 56562, KU Endowment - KU Alzheimer's Disease Center, c/o Lindsay Hummer, Mail Stop 3012, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, WSU Foundation, College of Music, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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We shared music and memories with David and Jeanette while we were chairs of our respective music department in Moorhead. Sharing a meal and a good glass of wine while sympathizing about chairing our departments made us realize that we were not alone. He was a great friend and talent.
Dear Jocelyn and girls, I am so sorry to learn about the passing of your dear father. I was very fond of him and remember the help he gave the Consolation Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish through his skills as a organist. God bless you. You are in our prayers. Cheri Jones
My wife and I extend to all the family and friends of David Childs our most sincere sympathy and condolence on his passing. David was a warm and enduring friend, a supportive colleague, a credit to himself and to his profession. His passing is a loss to the musical community of Wichita as well as to the larger community as a whole. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. Douglas and Beverly Lee Vanderbilt University
Dr. Lee I studied Music history with you at WSU and I have benefited from your instruction from day one; the same with Dr. Childs; whenever I hear Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night it reminds me of him. He taught a chromatic harmony class at WSU and we listened to, and analyzed this piece extensively
To Jeanette and Family, I send my sincere condolences as I savor fond memories of David: the years at First Pres, the music at St James and the Soirees, his ever wry humor and generous musical talent. May your memories comfort you. Suzi Miner