Leonard Maurice Childers was born on August 1, 1936 in Ferris, Texas. He returned home to his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2019. He was known by many names depending on your relationship, Leonard, Maurice, Jake, Honkey, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ruby Childers, siblings Troy, Doyle, Opal and Margie, his first wife Phyllis and Grandson Zachary. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son Troy and wife Sandy, sons Bobby and Mike, step daughter Brenda and step son Shayne. Grandchildren Julee, Tori, Hannah, Tyler, Matthew, Ashley, Zach and Clayton, great grandchildren Ethan, Lucas, Wesley, Makennah and Oliver, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and lots of friends that he always considered family. Leonard was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War and was active in local VFW posts. Dad was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Dallas as he and Phyllis raised their three sons in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas. Later in life, he and his second wife Shirley joined the Tripp Road Baptist Church in Sunnyvale while living in Mesquite. Jake was self-employed for over 25 years in the construction industry. He remained very active with woodworking, surveying and just general tinkering with anything that needed to be worked on or repaired. Maurice was a life-long and diehard Dallas Cowboys’ fan. Many times in the early days of the Cowboys, he would take his family to the Cotton Bowl to see those Cowboys play football. Honkey would always want to joke with others, making them laugh and ensuring everyone had a good time. Even in the last few weeks, Mr. Childers would have to joke with nurses and doctors to keep the mood light. Grandpa would always speak of how proud he is of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved their visits and spending time with them. Jake was a loyal and caring friend. Whether it was on a boat on Cedar Creek Lake, driving around the countryside visiting, having a party in the den or helping somebody with a problem or issue, Maurice was always there. This man will be missed by all who met or knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or your church.
Visitation will be held:
Friday January 25th from 5:00 to 7:00PM
Sparkman Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road
Dallas, Texas 75218
A celebration of Jake’s amazing life will be held:
Saturday January 26th starting at 10:00AM
Tripp Road Baptist Church
401 East Tripp Road
Sunnyvale, Texas 75182
A luncheon will be for family and friends:
Following the celebration
New Covenant United Methodist Church
3032 North Belt Line Road
Sunnyvale, Texas 75182
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