Von Lee Childs

Von Lee Childs, age 79, passed away on Jan. 15, 2026 in Nephi. He was born in Gunnison on Oct. 21, 1946 to Von Lee Sr. and Mary Dell Tuttle Childs. He grew up in Gunnison and had fond memories of spending time with his siblings and helping out on the family farm. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School.
Von Lee was a proud Vietnam veteran. He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969. During his time with the U.S. Army he was a Staff Sergeant, Power Generation Equipment Operator, and a Mechanic for the 409th Engineer Battalion.
Von Lee married his sweetheart, Susan Afton Bartholomew in Gunnison on Dec. 9, 1972.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Von Lee enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and woodworking. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, he loved each of them very much.
Von Lee leaves behind his loving wife, Susan Childs of Centerfield; children: Lisa (Mike) Olson of Riverton, Kevin Childs of Redmond, Jennie (James) Dover of Anchorage, Alaska; 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; siblings: Stevan (Chris) Childs of Centerfield, Karan (Mike) Withers of Erda, and Cindy (Mike) Shipman of Kremmling, Colorado.
Preceded in death by his parents, Von Lee and Mary Dell Childs; brother, Craig Childs; son-in-law, Michael Olson.
Graveside services for Von Lee will be held at noon on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at the Centerfield Cemetery.
Burial with military honors accorded by the Utah Honor Guard and Centerfield American Legion Post #105 will be in the Centerfield Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Blackham, the Gunnison Valley Hospital, and Mission at Nephi Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for the wonderful care they gave to Von Lee.
Online guestbook available at www.springerturner.com.