Date of Birth: January 17, 1998
Date of Death: June 24, 2023
On June 24, 2023, Zane Andrew Childress received his angel wings at the tender age of 25 years, surrounded by his caring family and friends at Hospice of the Valley, Sherman Home, Phoenix, Az. Zane was born January 17, 1998 to parents Michelle and Ralph Childress in Phoenix Arizona. Zane attended Terrramar and Coyote Hills elementary schools, was a graduate of Sunrise Mountain High School, as well as a graduate of West Mec where he earned auto body certifications. He most recently attended Yavapai College where he was able to work on his 240sx project car. Zanes passion for cars carried him through his life challenges in many different ways. Zanes wish to have his 1972 Chevrolet C10 truck restored was granted in 2014 as a Make A Wish kid, with the surprise reveal hosted by Barrett Jackson. Many people in the valley of the sun stepped up to make his wish a reality, and was such an incredible life changing experience for Zane. Along his journey Zane attended countless car shows and cruises around the country, toured car museums and met many of his favorite television car celebrities. He even had the privilege of riding in a drifting race car, driven by a professional LeMans champion. In 2021, Zanes dreams came true as he had the opportunity to drive his C10 down the wooden boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, and that same year drove his truck from Maryland to Arizona taking the "mother road" Route 66 for most of the trip. He was so proud that his ol truck made the 2600 mile trek. Zane loved animals, cliff jumping, WWII history, coin collecting, swimming, riding his bmx bike, motorcycles, hiking, fishing, camping, star gazing, cooking, playing Forza, making song parodies and making us all laugh with his sharp wit and Zaney sense of humor. His was a big fan of Paul Walker and Johnny Cash and loved to sing Folsom Blues to whomever would lend their ear. Zane was named after Zane Grey, and his name is the English form of John, which was Zanes maternal grandfathers name. Zane was a 3 time cancer fighter during his short 25 years, and was a childhood cancer survivor. He was one of 60 people in the world to have had this rare brain cancer and was a living miracle, giving inspiration to us all. Zane was a medical tourist over the past 11 years, and made friends from coast to coast as he received life saving care, surgeries and treatments in Phoenix, AZ, Loma Linda, CA, Seattle, WA, Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Zane enthusiastically volunteered to participate in 6 medical studies at Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore Maryland to do his part to contribute to Neurofibromatosis 1 and MPNST research. His contributions will continue to be used in research for years to come. Zanes greatest wish of all was to help find a cure for this genetic disorder and type of cancer. While living in Maryland, Zane volunteered to feed the homeless, made Toys For Tots deliveries each Christmas and volunteered to help serve meals at the Ronald McDonald House. He also prepared and fearlessly handed out care packages on the holidays to the homeless living on the streets of Baltimore. Zane found great purpose and joy in helping others. In Zanes younger years, he enjoyed living on a cattle ranch with his family in the town of Skull Valley Arizona, and spoke of it often. Zane was a dog dad to his beloved chihuahua Tiger, who preceeded Zane in death in 2022. Zane is survived by his mother and father, sisters Jessica Childress and Hannah Childress, his niece Isabella Cheyenne (whom was named after his truck), honorary step father Judge Allen Jr., and preceeded in death by his step father Chip Russell. The family would appreciate your consideration in making a donation to one of the following in Zanes honor: Childrens Tumor Foundation Hospice of the Valley Automotive Restoration Club Sun City West Make A Wish Foundation
Service Information
Shadow Rock Congregational Church Phoenix, Arizona
Contributions
Childrens Tumor Foundation Hospice of the Valley Automotive Restoration Club Sun City West Make A Wish Foundation