Ernest "Andy" Andrew Childress

Ernest Andrew Childress, 82, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 30, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. “Ernie,” or “Andy,” depending on where you are from, lived his life to the fullest and left smiles, love, and a good story everywhere he went. Ernie was born in Bryan, Texas, while his parents were running from a hurricane. And that set the tone for the sense of adventure he carried through his life. After moving to Chicago in his 20s, he fell in love with his beautiful wife, Diane. He stayed in Chicago for more than 50 years before moving to El Paso, Texas in 2022. Ernie loved reading, road trips, the Chicago Bears, and a good single malt scotch. He never met a stranger, and he made everyone who crossed his path leave with a smile. His greatest blessing in life was his wife Diane, whose gentle love has remained with him since her passing nine years ago. And now they are in each other’s arms again. Their world centered around their children and grandchildren. If you ever met Ernie, you instantly knew how proud he was of them. They felt the same way about “Papa,” whose absence leaves a giant hole in their lives.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Diane Childress, his parents, Sam and Roberta Childress, his brother Sam and sister Charlene Harkreader (James); and his beloved in-laws, Harry and Emma Baldi. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his children John Childress (Renee), Kerri Brummel (Scott) and Kelli Childress (Ayax Diaz), and his grandchildren Matt, Kate, Morgan, Nathan, Allison, Lauren, Andrew and Sam. He also leaves behind his nephews, many cousins, and extended family and friends whom he loved dearly.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Homes – West, with a Celebration of Life to commence at 2:00 p.m.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes – West, 480 N. Resler Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912. Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.