John Childs

John Childs, 85, of Danville passed away on September 29, 2026 at IU Health West in Avon, Indiana. He was born in Danville on January 7, 1941, the son of John E. Childs and Kay Baucto. They preceded him in death.

John attended Danville High School and began his working life at his grandfather’s gas station. After high school, he went to work for Hire's Trucking Company as a diesel mechanic, where he spent several years before the company closed. With determination and skill, he later opened his own semi repair and maintenance business, proudly naming it C & C Semi Trailer Repair. He operated the company for many years before eventually selling it to enjoy retirement.

He first married Bobbie O'Herron, with whom he shared 2 children and 18 years, before marrying Patricia “Lynn” Wangler on November 9, 1981, in Danville and adopting her young son Eric. They spent more than 30 years together before Lynn’s death in 2016.

John is survived by his children Penny (Tom McCoy) Fredericks of Danville, Tammy (Scott) Talbott of Danville, and Eric (Kelsey Nunes) Childs of Jerseyville, Ill.; as well as his grandchildren Jared (Gabby) Fredericks, Justin Fredericks, Jake (Grace) Fredericks, Tiffany (John Leahy) White, and Seth (Morgan) Talbott. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Brooks Fredericks, Cecelia Fredericks, Everett Fredericks, Liam Fredericks, Rylan Leahy, Levi Leahy, and Lola Talbott; his sister Phyliss Engle; and his good friend at Liberty Village Glenna Cornell.

John was a man who truly enjoyed life and liked to keep moving. John loved going fast; whether he was boating, jet-skiing, riding his golf cart, or snowmobiling. He also had a deep appreciation for Corvettes and spent many years repairing, restoring, and detailing them. One of the Corvettes he painted remains on display at the Corvette Museum. John loved being outdoors and took great pride in caring for his yard. Handy in every sense of the word, he even built his house himself. He was a member of the Danville Boat Club for many years and also belonged to the Second Church of Christ.

He will be remembered for his fun-loving nature and his kid-at-heart spirit. His grandchildren will especially cherish memories of the fishing, boating, and jet skiing activities with him and afternoons that brought laughter and adventure.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, located at 3940 N Vermilion St, in Danville, Illinois. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home that afternoon. Per his wishes, John will be cremated following and placed to rest with Lynn at Sunset Memorial Park. Online condolences, fond memories, and photographs can be shared with John’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.