Mark Childs Obituary

Mark Lyne Childs, 70, went to be with his Savior on Sunday December 29, 2024 in his home in Lansdale, PA. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Mark was the son of the late Dana P. Childs and Phyllis S. Childs. He follows his late brother Dana P. Childs Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Glenda Mack Childs, daughter Rachel Gottberg (husband Christopher), son Byron Childs (wife Rebecca), and grandchildren Joseph and Ada Gottberg. Mark, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, son, brother, engineer and beloved child of God went to be restored to life with his Savior after living with Alzheimer's disease, which precipitated his death. Mark developed a love of outdoors at an early age, often going on weekend long kayak adventures with his brother Dana. In high school he excelled in track and field often running 8 miles a day. After high school, he was accepted to University of Virginia, went on to achieve a double Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and obtained his license as a Professional Engineer. After graduation, he moved to Pennsylvania for work, where his love of the outdoors continued through skiing, spelunking, hiking as well as getting a professional telescope to pursue astronomy. While living in PA he met his wife, Glenda. Mark had a love of his work designing high power equipment, often making a joke that he made a career in imaginary power. His work took him to many places including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Alaska, Mexico, Italy, Canada and The United Kingdom. Mark loved going for bike rides, lap swimming, and keeping up Glenda's flower beds. Mark was a handyman and was able to do all manner of household repair and electrical work. He had a deep interest in WWII history, sprouting from his dad who repaired bombers during the war. Mark's life was characterized by service. He served 40 years with Church Without Walls, a ministry that hosts "Meetings for Better Understanding" with Muslims. He also served as an Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church, and previously as a Deacon at Lansdale Presbyterian Church. Mark was a man of deep faith in the Lord that strengthened him to endure his disease. He accepted his disease without a complaining spirit and humbly lived with his decreasing ability, sure of his future restoration. The family would like to sincerely thank Marsha Freed, family members, friends, Caring Hospice, and all of the many caregivers who surrounded Mark with love and care in the comfort of his Dock Woods Community apartment for the last 6 months of his life. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church January 25, 2025. 310 Covenant Ln. Harleysville PA, 19468 Family greeting will be held 12:30-1:30 Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 For those who desire, monetary contributions may be made in Mark's memory to: Covenant Presbyterian Church-Building Fund 310 Covenant Lane Harleysville, PA 19438 or, Church Without Walls-Ministry in Africa or, Church Without Walls-Meetings for Better Understanding in Georgia: Church Without Walls P.O. Box 27276 Philadelphia, PA 19118 Floral Contributions can be sent to: Covenant Presbyterian Church Arrangements are by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, PA.