Mike, you were an integral part of Troop 30. You helped the scouts achieve their goals and have a really good time. Many boys will have fond memories of their scouting experiences because of your caring and cheerful guidance.  Your memory will remain with love and warmth for all of us in Troop 30.

Our deepest sympathies to your family.

Larry and Linda Maley

Touring with you "Mikey" was always fun, even on the long, hard days. You will be greatly missed😢
Hugs and condolences to your family.  
Joanne

So shocked and saddened when I heard of Mike’s passing.  I remember many years ago, Mike came to me concerned  about someone above him in seniority making a comment about him getting more Tauck than they did.  I reassured him that he should not worry about that  as he deserved everything he was getting and I thought he was an outstanding driver and professional.  He was then and continued to be an outstanding representative for VIA.  I always enjoyed working with him and he always had a great manner about him.  You will be missed my friend.  May the remaining family feel the love of our Lord and Savior

Went to see Mike at Christmas performance  at Northwest Valley Baptist Church. 
Once again Mike being happy!

Mike and I took a ride on the trolley near Los Angeles.  He was so happy!

Very hard to say goodbye to one of the finest. Our entire team respected Michael and looked up to him. He was a friend to all and will be missed tremendously. My deepest sympathy to Tori and family. 
Michael,, you will always have a place in our hearts.  Thank you for years of outstanding service. RIP my friend.

Michael, Michael, Michael I can't believe it when I heard you had gone to the better side. Years my Junior, when I last saw you  in the Spring 2024, you seemed fine and didn't leave a hint something was a awry. I always considered you first and foremost my friend. You were smart, always quick witted and I sought out you and Tori to sit next to at Holidays and special events. Even when I wasn't in Phoenix, I appreciated staying in touch on Facebook and seeing your typically humorous posts. At work I particularly enjoyed the times when we shared a meal and shared stories often on our MN experiences. Our mutual Charter experience won't be the same for me not having you apart of the team. RIP my friend RIP. Paul

Dear Mike, I met you as my tour driver but you became my friend. You cared about the work but you made it feel like going out for a joy ride. It was a real pleasure chatting over meals about books or TV shows, architecture, the world as we saw it, and the experiences we had. The jokes and laughs made the many miles a lot of fun, pass quickly and left me looking forward to our next tour.  Thanks for stopping at the Patton museum for two hours on the way back from California.  Thanks for lavender scented towels, and also for answering the phone that time you left me in the rest stop thinking I was asleep in the back of the coach. With fond memories, so long, until we meet again.
charlie watson

I considered Michael a good friend and fellow worker. When we had time to pass, in many a parking lot, he and I would often discuss Biblical things. From lighthearted discussions to serious Doctrinal issues. I found these times to be most enjoyable in the Lord.

While these are sad days for us, at his passing, let us not forget to rejoice with him. For he is now with Christ Jesus our Lord. His time has come. His race is done. Now there is just peace and joy for him.

Blessed be the name of our Lord.

I will always remember Big Michael’s laughter. My mom and Tori would either be on the phone or out in the street talking for hours. Both of our dads would either be sleeping or mumbling about what in the world those two were talking about. Most of my elementary school memories are from times our families spent together. I will always cherish those and smile about the great times we had together. I know Michael is looking down at his family and guiding them through these tough times. Always remember the special times you have shared with him and know he is cheering you on!

I'm so sorry that we have all lost Mike, too soon.  Mike and I spent many great days together in Utah and Colorado over the years since we met in 2011, and like so many tour directors Mike was our favorite to work with.  I'm glad I got to spend time with him this past fall.  He will be missed greatly out on the road, and I send my condolences for all your family to learn to be without him.

Paul Kolota

It is so hard to think that you will not be around anymore.  You were such an amazing mentor, friend and co-worker..   I loved working with you and all the knowledge you shared with me.  Your excitement when I met you in Bryce on my First ever Tauck tour was infectious.  Seeing you standing there waiting for me,  so I could share with you how it was going was awesome. Having dinner together that night was so much fun and you telling me to get the most expensive thing on the menu. ( the Steak… Lol)  then we all had the Lemon cake and were stuffed lol.  It made me even more excited about being out on the road.  You told me how I would be such a great driver and how I would be great at Tauck.  You encouraged me to just be me.    You always knew how to make people laugh and shared your great personality with me.  I will miss you my friend and know that Via and my life were truly touched by you and will always have a special place with me.   Thank you for being you.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mike. He was a wonderful person with a kind heart as well as a man of faith. I, along with so many others will miss Michael.  To Tori and the rest of the Childress Family,  you have my deepest sympathies.  God Bless you all.

I lost a great mentor, friend and co-worker. From my first day at VIA he made me feel like family. He took me under his wing and made sure I was a better man as well as a better driver. I have to take Mike for all the time he answered the phone when I called. No one will ever be able to take his place. This job as well as this world is a darker place without him. So no more pain my friend, I’ll keep the wheels rolling until I see you at the cross road. R.I.P

OBITUARY

Michael Lee Childress

5 July, 1957 – 26 August, 2024

Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary

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