A Big Country town celebrated a special birthday for a very special man on Saturday.
Nearly 200 Coleman residents gathered to wish Coach Howard Childress a Happy 80th birthday. Childress began teaching in 1958 and he also coached basketball, served on the City Council for 6 years, and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Childress said he owes much to the community.
Coach Childress has been a staple in the Coleman community for decades.
"I like to think that I've done a lot for the area, but I'd like to think the area has done quite a bit for me too," said the Coach.
"This is my home and in all the years I've spent here, 34 years of teaching and coaching, I don't think I ever made an enemy in my life."
Childress said he looks forward to another celebration marking his 100th bday in 20 years.
