Morton O. Childress, Sr., 93, surrounded by his family, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. He was born on October 1, 1923, to the late Harlan and Margaret (Drane) Childress. His wife, Marie Childress, son Mike Childress, and sisters Eva Wolford and Minda Tingle also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Linda Childress, children Marty (Brenda) Childress, Marvin (Cheryl) Childress, Marilyn (Patrick) French, his sister Roseanne Sundberg, eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mort was born on the second floor of a Jefferson St. produce house across from the Haymarket. He attended Male High School then joined the Merchant Marines in 1943. In 1944 he volunteered for duty with the U.S. Marines serving on Guam and surrounding islands.
He returned to Louisville in 1946 to settle down with his wife, Marie and to raise three sons and a daughter. October 11, 1948, he took a job with the Louisville Police Department, beginning what would become a forty-five year career.
His first position on the force was as a motorcycle cop. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1961, Lieutenant in 1966 and Captain in 1979. In his tenure, he was very active in the many positions he held in LPD, with FOP and as a member of the Credit Union Board of Directors. He spent several years serving the community by giving lectures concerning public safety, the dangers of drug abuse, and other community concerns.
His love of the Louisville Police Department, and a very curious mind lead him to pursue his love of history by becoming Louisville's de facto police historian. His writings can be found in various publications including the "Encyclopedia of Louisville" published in 2000. That was followed by the widely received book that he authored "The History of the Louisville Police Department 1806-2002" published in 2005. Marie, his wife of 54 years had always been a great partner in life and in his history work until her death in February 1999. He and his wife Linda were married in December 2000. She also became a wonderful helpmate to him for the past 17 years and played a key role in the completion and publication of his book.
His legacy will continue along with his wealth of information and artifacts of the LPD in the "Mort Childress Gallery" that encompasses the police portion of the upcoming Louisville Metropolitan Public Safety Museum.
Mort was also an accomplished and enthusiastic senior league bowler. Until two months ago he bowled twice weekly with his many long-time friends at Rose Bowl and more recently, Kingpin Lanes.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Newcomer Funeral Home (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243), and on Monday, June 12, 2017 from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral ceremony at 11:00 am with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tax deductible contributions in Mort's honor, to "The Louisville Metropolitan Public Safety Museum" are welcomed. His extensive collection will be proudly displayed in the soon to be opened museum. The museum will be dedicated to brave past, present and future Police, Fire and other emergency responders, who, like Captain Childress, have given so much to our great city. The sharing of Louisville's Proud Police History in the museum will be a dream come true for him. The museum be in the downtown Convention Center. Donations may be made at any Republic Bank location, or mailed to Johnny Burgraff, the policeman in charge of the museum opening, at 2700 Costigan Way, Louisville, KY, 40220.
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