Leonard Wilson Childs

Leonard Wilson Childs, 75, passed away on June 26, 2018, in Jacksonville, FL. He was born on October 16, 1942, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to Leonard Sylveston Childs and Allene Owen Childs. He graduated from Magnolia High School and soon afterwards joined the US Navy, where he became a full-time musician in the Navy Band. He served a tour of duty in Japan. Upon return to the US, he met the love of his life, Elena Maria Cardenas. They married on June 21, 1969, in Laredo, Texas. On September 30, 1976, he welcomed his only son, Leonard Jacob, who would follow in Wilson’s musical and entrepreneurial footsteps.

Wilson was a devoted father and husband and was known in his community as a skilled and intuitive jazz musician. Upon retirement from the Navy, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Wilson often played at local restaurants and social gatherings. He opened his own business, Childs Piano Service, servicing, tuning, and rebuilding pianos for many businesses and private clients in Texas.

Wilson was a devout Catholic and participated in many church activities, including playing the trumpet during church services. He became a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He is deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Wilson is survived by Elena Childs of Jacksonville, Fl, and Jacob Childs, of Houston, TX. Elena and Jacob wish to extend their sincere thanks to Wilson’s loving family members, Carlos and Davron Cardenas and Luis and Carol Cardenas, and also to the kind staff at Brookdale Atrium, where he passed away.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity on one's choice.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 25, 2018 in Christ the King Parish, 742 Arlington Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS GREENLAWN FUNERAL HOME, 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207. 904-396-2522