Norman Clyde Childs, Sr. of Paragould, AR, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, June 20, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Norman’s life mission was to serve the Lord and share the gospel. He touched countless lives across the world through personal evangelism. Norman lived to share the love of the Lord relationally through Bible studies, storytelling, and the many books he authored. He will be remembered by his loved ones for his infectious joy, vast Bible knowledge, and his daily delight in God’s goodness.

Brother Childs was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alice (Salmon) Childs, three sisters, Lucile Stallard of Conneaute Lake, PA, Cecil Stewart and Marilyn Mears of Meadville, PA. He leaves behind, his beloved wife of 66 years, Arlean Lenhart, two children, Norman “Sonny” (Cynthia) Childs Jr., of Paragould, AR, and Sandy (David) Rowlette, of Berea, KY. 5 grandchildren: Bryson (Victoria) Childs of Jonesboro, AR, Sarah (Darrell) Stillwell of Richmond, KY; Leanna (Clayton) Barnes of Berea, KY; Matthew (Haley) Rowlette of Berea, KY, and Gabriel Childs of Paragould, AR. And 7 great grandchildren: Judah Childs, Henry and Theodore Stillwell, Lincoln and Carter Barnes, Fisher Devasher, and Ella Rowlette.

Norman was born June 16, 1939 in Guys Mills, PA. Upon the death of his father, he was appointed head of the family’s business at the age of eighteen. Norman served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1961-1965. He graduated from Sunset School of Preaching (now Sunset International Bible Institute) of Lubbock, TX. Brother Childs was a minister for the Churches of Christ for 53 years. His first Church was West Grandview Blvd, Erie, PA. He served his Lord in ministry in Erie, Williamsport, and Clearfield, PA, Paragould, AR, Channahon, and Crossville, IL. He also served as an instructor in the Missionaries for America Program for 20 years. In later years, he worked for Liquid Resins, of Olney, IL.

Brother Childs was an author of religious books, his most profound work was, You Can Know: There is a God and the Bible is His Word.

Norman was deeply devoted to his wife, Arlean, whom he cherished for more than six decades. His love for his family was regularly shown in a readied joke or poem, a prayer, or a walk.

A memorial service will be held at Glades Christian Church Gathering Place in Berea, KY on June 27, 2026. Visitation will be at 10 AM ET with a memorial service from 11AM - 12PM ET. Burial will take place in Guys Mills, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Missionaries for America Program in memory of Norman Childs, Sr.