Melvin (Mel) Dale Childress, 65, of Lake Butler passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side following a 14+ month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  He was born in Lincoln, NE to the late G. Dale Childress and Shirley Childress.  He served four years in the US Navy and 32 years with the Florida Highway Patrol from the Keys to North Florida.

Mel is survived by his wife of 30 years Debra Turner Childress, children Wendy Childress (Shawn), Maranda Martin (Josh), and Scott Childress; grandchildren Maddie, Brianna (Angel), Marcus, Michael and Brennan; his 3 beloved pups: Katie, Max, & Peanut, his grand puppy Bella and his brother Eddie Lay of Kentucky.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090 or to Haven-Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center, 6037 W US Highway 90, Lake City, FL 32055. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com. Galatians 6:17- From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear on my body the branding-marks of Jesus.