Garland Wayne Childers

Garland Wayne Childers, known to everyone as Wayne, was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Our Lord called him home on December 25, 2024 in Abilene, Texas at age 85.

Wayne was born to Lloyd and Velma Childers on April 28, 1939, in Caddo, Oklahoma. The family moved to California where Wayne worked alongside his parents and siblings in the agricultural fields of the Central Valley, picking cotton, digging potatoes, turning grape trays, and other jobs common to itinerant workers. As a young adult, Wayne took a job as a railroad lineman. He was introduced to Beverly Ann Hodges and, after a very short courtship, they married on November 12, 1959. The two of them traveled the southwest with his railroad job before they settled around Bakersfield, California to raise their family and where Wayne began a long and distinguished career with Pacific Bell and AT&T. Their devoted marriage of nearly 65 years stands as a testimony to the power of faith in God, love, and mutual commitment. Together, Wayne and Bev had three children: Karen, Jeff, and Lisa.

Wayne was deeply devoted to God and his church, serving as an elder for many years and raising his children to be people of deep faith. He was known for his easy-going manner, for growing beautiful roses, and for his warm hospitality. In 1999 Wayne and Bev left their home in California and relocated to Abilene, Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He continued his hobbies of woodworking, beekeeping, and gardening and spent many hours supporting his grandchildren in their activities. Wayne loved family gatherings and taking road-trips with his wife. Wayne and Bev became members at the Northwest Church of Christ, where he continued to serve others.

Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly Childers, his daughter Karen Childers, his parents, Lloyd Childers and Velma Childers, his siblings Jo Hannah, Bill Childers, and Bonnie Myers. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Scott, children Jeff (Linda) Childers and Lisa (Shannon) Cruse, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Wayne’s Life is scheduled for Monday, December 30 at 11:00 am at the Northwest Church of Christ, 1141 N Willis St., Abilene.

Visitation with the family will be after the service at the church.

You are invited to donate to Hendrick Hospice Care in Wayne’s honor:

Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.