Henry "Hank" William Childs

Henry (Hank) William Childs- Xra-Xanje- Big Eagle 75yrs.

May 5, 1947-Sept 14, 2022

Son of John J. and Rachel Dailey Childs

Hank married the love of his life Marie Sue Norman Childs on January 19, 1968. They have been married 54 glorious years and made their home in Enid Oklahoma. Born from this marriage were their 3 children daughter Johnnie Dee Barney, Son Don Leroy Childs, daughter Janna Diane Rader and Son Henry William Jr. Nine grandchildren, Summer Shepherd, William Barney, Rachel Barney, Hunter Childs, Haleigh Lingenfelter, Hudsyn Childs, Hagen Childs, Elijah Rader, Andee Rader. Five great grandchildren Taven Shepherd, Bostyn Shepherd, Easton Weeks, Kash Weeks, Bennett Barney and one soon to be born great granddaughter, Hadley Lingenfelter.

Hank worked construction most of his life, many of those years with Cummings Construction who treated Henry with true respect and took care of him even years after his retirement. Henry told many stories of the streets or curbs he built in and around the Enid area. Those stories can be verified by the coins he left in the concrete for his children and grandchildren to find later.

Hank loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in various sports. Traveling many times to multiple games at different locations on the same day. He loved sharing his experience with them and coaching them before, during and after the game. Always lending that helping suggestion to accomplish their next goal. Hank was a accomplished softball player himself in his younger years competing many years with his Otoe-Missouria tribal teams and various teams in Enid. “You Got This.” Was a quote he whispered in the ears of all those that would listen. Inspiring words that will never be forgotten.

Hank loved his Otoe-Missouria people and served many years on the Encampment Committee many of those years as the Chairman. He was a proud member of the XRA Eagle clan of the tribe. He loved to gourd dance and was a proud member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and Enid Intertribal Club. Hank would spend numerous hours educating school children in Enid regarding his Native heritage and was proud to be 7/8 Otoe-Missouria.

Hank is survived by his wife, Marie. Daughter Johnnie Dee and her companion Jeff Ring. Son Donnie Childs, Daughter Janna Rader and husband Chris. Nine grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Brothers Mitchell Childs and wife Mary, Robert Dieter Childs, Charles Childs, Timothy Tsoodle and Lewis Cozad. Sisters Barbara Childs Walton, Marguerite Lee, Mabel Cozad. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Rachel Childs, brothers Johnny Childs, Don Childs, Sisters Karel Childs, Shirley Childs, Debra Jo Childs Coffey and one son Henry W. Childs Jr.