Gerald Childs

*PLEASE NOTE: DETAILS FOR VISITATION AND SERVICES IN SELDEN, KANAS
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 6-8:00pm at Pauls Funeral Home, Selden, KS followed by additional visitation on Thursday, August 6 at 8:00am until service time.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 6 at 11:00am at Pauls Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Rexford Cemetery


Gerald "Jerry" Edward Childs was a pillar of integrity, kindness, and nobility. He passed on to Heaven Thursday, July 30th at 9:23 am. He succumbed to his sudden kidney cancer, surrounded by family and friends. He had just celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday, July 26th.
He was born in a rural farmhouse, outside of Rexford, Kansas in 1940. Rexford will be his place of burial. Gerald will be laid to rest in the area he visited often, an area he called "home", an area he was so proud to be from.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Carlene, who was devoted to him, his daughters Leslie Giarraputo, and her husband, Vito, (Overland Park, KS), and Laurie Turner, and her husband Wayne, (Colby, KS). Grandchildren include Lila Marie-14, Madeline Grace-11, and Weldon William-8. Gerald's sisters, Beverly Maris, her husband Harold (Wauneta, NE), and Clois Fiala (Colorado Springs, CO), sister-in-law Marlene Heineman (Dallas,TX), brother-in-law Don McGuire (Edmond, OK), numerous nieces and nephews, copious cousins, and an abundant amount of friends. Preceding him in death were his parents Leslie and Birdie Ogier Childs, In-laws Bill and Velma McGuire, brother Cleon Childs, and his wife Arlene, and sister Evelyn McCrary and brothers-in-law, Cliff Fiala and Ron McGuire. The family was blessed to have had the opportunity to share their love, memories, and sentiments with Gerald during his final days. The family is ready to rejoice in the life of such a magnanimous man.

Growing up in the small farming town of Selden, KS, Gerald found a love of hunting, sports, and the simplicity of that time. After graduating from Selden High School in 1958, he then set his sights on Kansas Wesleyan University where he was extremely popular and was a standout as he played both football and basketball, even setting records in basketball. He proudly graduated with a teaching degree in secondary education in 1963. Gerald was inducted into the KWU Coyotes Hall of Fame in 1987, and considered that as one of his crowning achievements.

He began his teaching career in Jennings, KS. His next teaching job would be in Downs, KS and on a blind date in Hays, KS he would meet the love of his life, Carlene McGuire, in 1966.
Gerald proposed to Carlene with a simple gesture and she said, "yes", and they were married in Hays, KS on May 31, 1967. They began their life together as husband and wife in the Wichita area, where Gerald taught at Goddard and Carlene began her career at Southwestern Bell. They celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Leslie Rochelle, in February 1969 and their second daughter, Laurie Rockelle, arrived in June 1976.

The family continued their journey to Hutchinson, KS, where they lived from1977-1980. As Carlene continued to excel at SWB, Gerald was a pioneer as a "house spouse", relishing on his care giving skills for his girls. Gerald then became a small business owner of Childs Consignment and Collection Services, INC. but, spent his free time fishing, enjoying the nearby lake, and sharing good times with close friends and family.

In 1980, they were transferred to Topeka, KS and Gerald returned to his passion- teaching at Mission Valley High School and coaching both basketball and football. Gerald spent four wonderful years, being an inspiring teacher/coach, a devoted husband/father, and just being an exceptional person in Topeka.

Finally settling in Olathe, KS in 1984, Gerald found his final home. He was the quintessential "Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Teaching at Piper Middle School, allowed him to remain a beloved teacher but, building a home filled with fun seemed high on his list as well. Lounging by the pool or in his garage, Jerry (as he had become known) cherished his visits from friends and family and would happily share spirits with anyone willing. Retiring in 1998, Jerry could finally enjoy his true passion, shopping local garage sales collecting valuable treasures, which he proudly would display and share his sentimental finds with his many friends. He also began a love of another sport, golf. Jerry obviously loved golf so much, he needed at least 9 different sets of clubs.

Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2007, and determined to fight, Jerry and Carlene sought treatment with a doctor in Hilton Head, So. Carolina. They quickly fell in love with the area and moved to Old South Golf Course where they would continue to spend their winters, even after Jerry had survived his battle. It was a beautiful place for Jerry to golf, meet new friends, and enjoy carefree days. Kelly's Tavern seemed to be his home away from home away from home.
Gerald was a treasured man. There wasn't a person that knew him that didn't love him. He was a humble king to his family. The embodiment of a true friend, he was respected for his good-nature, his snappy wit, his generous gifts, and his amazing, pure heart. Gerald will naturally be missed, but will forever be loved.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions to the Golden Plains Gerald Childs Scholarship fund, Selden, KS which may be sent to Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home.