Edward Hendricks "Hank" Childress passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans on October 16, 2025 surrounded by friends and family after a short but courageous fight with cancer. Hank was born in Martinsville, VA on June 11th, 1947 to Henry Edward Childress and Blanch Ingles Ford Childress.

As a child, Hank loved spending time outside, which fostered a lifelong passion for the outdoors. After attending Staunton Military Academy and a brief detour at Trinity University, Hank joined the Marines, rising to the rank of Captain. Hank honorably served and was wounded in combat in Vietnam where he received the Purple Heart. After returning home he received his Bachelor's Degree in History from George Washinton University and then attended law school at Loyola University in New Orleans.

He was an accomplished lawyer having practiced for 40 years, but never lost perspective that his occupation was not his identity. This allowed him to pursue many of his hobbies - most notably fishing on the Rivanna and James Rivers for smallmouth bass in his kayak and playing golf at Keswick. While Hank was an avid golfer, his time on the course was not measured against par, but by the lasting impact he made on those who played with him, especially his son Evan.

A thoughtful man with a deep sense of justice and morality, Hank respected everyone but never let a rule get in the way of what he believed was right. Stubborn at times, Hank was a rebel with a kind spirit until the end.

Hank found joy in the simple pleasures of life – a cup of coffee on the porch in the morning, an oyster po' boy, the beach, walking 9 holes with his son after work, a monkey card, or taking the scenic route home. Not one to be impressed by wealth or status, he lived life with a comfortable confidence without ever taking himself too seriously.

Hank's simple grace will live on in all of those that were lucky enough to call him friend. Above all else Hank was decent.

Hank is survived by his son Evan Childress (Sharon) his partner Janie Pickering, brother John Ford Childress (Felecia) as well as nephews Adam Childress and Ivan Childress. He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Dillard Childress. No formal service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Toys for Tots.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by WiscNews.com on Oct. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Hank Childress

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

16 Entries

Jon McKay

October 25, 2025

Hank was an honorable man and a skilled attorney. His character was beyond reproach. He always treated others well and never took himself too seriously, an example we all could learn from.

Jon Zug

October 25, 2025

My sincerest condolences to the Childress family as a result of Hank's passing. I practiced "against" Hank in Charlottesville for a couple decades before his sojourn to New Orleans, and have missed his wit, grace, passion, and sense of justice in our community here in the 'Ville. I am terribly sorry to hear of his passing.

Ralph Smith

October 24, 2025

I fine lawyer, a good man and a true Virginia Gentleman. A humble warrior that will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.

Paul Davis

October 24, 2025

Hank´s obituary said it all. Hank was a true gentleman and truly cared for people. I met Hank from my time working at Ch´ville PD. He worked hard for his clients and always treated everyone equally. Like others have said he was an old school gentleman and never let his success in life go to his head. He was just a good guy and down to earth Rest in peace Hank.

Ron Tweel

October 24, 2025

He was a gentleman lawyer. I enjoyed practicing with him

Bruce Williamson

October 24, 2025

Beautiful obituary for a beautiful spirit. Hank was a delight to spend time with. I've missed him since he moved from Charlottesville to New Orleans. The world os a bit lesser for his passing,

October 24, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Brother Marine

October 23, 2025

Rest in peace Marine.

Mike Wagner

October 23, 2025

I always respected Hank and his ability to work with his law enforcement partners.

Mike Wagner

tom oakley

October 23, 2025

Hank was a true a viet vet .I have nothing but praise for my good friend .he now has bought the farm so to speak. You are one of a kind . Rest with the other warriors .

Tammy Renea Caul

October 23, 2025

Hank was a true gentleman and man of his word ! He meant alot to me and my family during some troubled times we faced !! A good one gone !
Tammy Caul

Carl Buchholz

October 23, 2025

Hank was a wonderful man and attorney. Through my many years of knowing Hank he gave me unparalleled advice and guidance. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.

Kathryn Etchison

October 23, 2025

The world will be a little poorer for his passing. What a stellar human being, and how lucky he and his family are to have had each other.
I am very sorry for your loss.

Debbie Johnson-Craig

October 23, 2025

Hank Childress was a one of a kind man. We met years ago and became friends. No matter whose feeling got hurt Hank always looked out for the children he served. He was a great man and will be missed by many. Condolences to his family you will be in my prayers.

Bill Mallory

October 23, 2025

I knew Hank through my long-term membership at the Red-Land Club in Charlottesville. I got into kyak fishing myself spurred in part by talking with Hank about it. He was a great guy and I was sorry when he retired and moved to New Orleans. He and a group of other guys played gin rummy most every day at lunchtime while I ate my lunch at the Club and the competition was fierce but fun to watch. He was a heck of a pool player too! Rest in peace Marine. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Semper Fi buddy!

Chuck Wood

October 23, 2025

Childress family, Hank was a fine Attorney and Southern Gentleman. He was an even better human being. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.

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