Leonard Childress

Leonard Childress was born in Kermit, Texas, on September 24, 1953, to Troy and Lorene Childress. Surrounded by his loving family, he transitioned to eternity on June 14, 2024, in Carrollton, Texas.

A man of remarkable achievements and dedication, Leonard graduated from Wink High School in Wink, Texas. He went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Texas Tech University in 1976, followed by a Master's Degree in the same field from The University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Leonard's professional journey began at AT&T in 1979 as an Account Executive, then he served as the Deputy Director of General Services for the City of Houston starting in 1985. In 2021, he joined L3 Harris as a Proposal Manager. As an entrepreneur, Leonard and his first wife, Beverly, owned a chain of daycare centers, "Kiddie Kollege, Inc.", in the 1980s. In 1998, he founded Texas Procurement Center, LLC, pioneering online reverse auctions in the government marketplace and creating RFPINFO, a patented online subscription service for governmental procurement bids. Leonard was also an independent consultant in public sector procurement, and he and his recent wife, Donna, owned Sozo Cell Phone Repair in Allen, TX from 2015 to 2019.

Leonard was actively involved in political campaigns, including those of former Houston mayors Kathy Whitmire in 1989 and Sylvester Turner in 1991 (as Treasurer). He was Lloyd Doggett's Deputy Campaign Manager in Doggett's 1984 Democratic Nomination for the US Senate from Texas. In 1995, Leonard received the Outstanding Texas Award in Business from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Education Committee. 

Leonard's faith was a significant part of his life. He attended Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, for over 20 years and One Community Church in Plano after moving to Dallas in 2015. He began attending Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas, in 2021. Leonard also began attending Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) International in 2015 and enjoyed 4 1/2 years of in-depth Bible study. 

Leonard was married to Beverly Ann Duhart from July 8, 1978, until she passed away in 2004. From their union, three beautiful daughters - Jamie LeAnn, Loren Olivia, and Randi Simone - were loved and nurtured. He married Donna Jack Montgomery on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2015. Leonard and Donna first met and dated while he was in graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin in 1976. The two remained united until his passing.

In addition to politics, he enjoyed sports, fishing, and gardening. Affectionately known as "Son" by his siblings, he will be fondly remembered as a highly intelligent man, a beloved father, a determined hard worker, an inspirational mentor, and a political advocate for social justice.

Leonard was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly; his mother, Lorene Childress; his father, Troy Childress; and his sisters - Claudia Benson, Virginia Horsley, and Eleanor Thomas. Those left to cherish lasting memories include his beloved wife, Donna; his daughters - Jamie LeAnn, Loren Olivia, and Randi Simone; his stepsons, William Montgomery and Justin Montgomery; his sisters, Thelma Bryant and Troylene Pace; his goddaughter, Erriel Loree; several nieces and nephews; and many other loved ones and friends.

Leonard's legacy of dedication to his family, community, and professional life has left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him.

In Leonard's honor, memorial donations may be made to Covenant House by clicking the link below. 

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