Ted G. Childs

Ted Glenn Childs, 98, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at his home in Harlingen, surrounded by his family. Born on February 17, 1928, in Dallas, Texas, he was the son of Winter Clyde Childs and Margaret Elizabeth Wilson Childs.

Ted’s early work experiences included serving as a carrier for the Austin American Newspaper and volunteering at the Lyndon Johnson Office in Austin. He also held various positions in grocery stores, including carry-out boy, stock clerk, delivery boy, and a messenger mail clerk for the Internal Revenue Office. After graduating high school, Ted enlisted in the Army, intending to pursue a college education through service, but was discharged after six months due to arthritis.

Following his military service, Ted worked as an ambulance driver and attendant at Hyltin Manor Funeral Home while also employed by the State Board of Insurance as a workers’ compensation insurance rater. Eventually, he chose to pursue his career as a licensed Funeral Director. Later, he joined the U.S. Border Patrol in Del Rio, Texas, as a property clerk, and subsequently served with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) from 1951 to 1998. His tenure at DPS included roles as a radio dispatcher, supervisor at multiple stations, and five years as a Motor Vehicle Inspection Technician after retiring from communications.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Ted generously volunteered at the Veterans Affairs Health Center in Harlingen for approximately five years until volunteer activities were suspended due to health concerns during the pandemic.

Ted was deeply committed to his church community, serving in numerous capacities including Sunday School teacher, youth department leader, adult Sunday school leader, church treasurer for over 25 years, deacon, and chairman of multiple committees. He also contributed as treasurer and board member—several times as president—of Calvary Christian School. Ted participated in the church choir, served on the Missions Committee, and organized weekly services at the Alien Detention Center in Port Isabel for over five years. As a member of the Gideons, Ted served as Chairman of the Gideon Card Committee and currently as Camp Secretary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Winter and Margaret Childs, and his brother, W.C. Childs, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Childs; his daughters, Margaret Hahn (Albert), Carol Midgley, and Kim Clutter (Dorren); his grandchildren, Mark Hahn, Abigail Hahn, Carl Midgley, Michael Midgley, Taylor Midgley, Mary Midgley, Scarlett Clutter, Clint Hahn, Mindy Davis, and Jason Clutter; and 19 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Christian School or the Gideons.