Carey Don Childers "Monk"

Carey Don Childers, 72, gained his wings on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11 am at Worship Center. Interment will follow at Peaceful Gardens Memorial parks under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, from 3 pm to 6 pm at Griffin Mortuary.Carey Don Childers, lovingly known as “Monk” by his high school football teammates and “Blackie” by his sister Kathy, was born on December 18, 1953, to the late Otho Wayne and Ethel Marie Newman Childers. Carey was the second of five children.

At a young age he was baptized and became a member of St. John Baptist Church, where he sang in the youth choir and participated in many youth activities. His faith remained an important part of his life.

Carey attended Lubbock ISD schools and graduated from Dunbar High School as Vice President of the Class of 1973. While in high school, he played varsity football, participated in shop class (woodworking), and was involved in the Upward Bound program at Texas Tech University.

Carey and Joyce began as high school friends. Over time, Carey fell in love with Joyce and her daughter, Rovelin “Chubby.” Carey and Joyce were united in marriage in 1974, and their union was blessed with two sons: Carey Don Childers Jr., affectionately known as “Pooe,” and Bran'Don “the baby.”

Carey attended Texas Tech University for two years, where he pledged Omega Psi Phi fraternity. His line name was “Me, Myself, and I,” a title earned after the other line brothers quit, leaving him to complete the journey alone — a true reflection of his perseverance and determination.

While still in high school, Carey began working at Covenant Hospital in Dietary Services, where he mastered his cooking skills. Over the years, he worked as a truck driver for Fields and Company for two years, served the City of Lubbock as a weed inspector, and worked for Baker Company delivering furniture. Because he loved fixing and building things, Carey started his own side business, RCB Builders, named after his children: Rovelin, Carey, and Bran'Don.

Carey later worked at Furr’s Warehouse as an order puller until its closure in 1990. His final and longest career was with the Lubbock Housing Authority, where he faithfully served as a maintenance technician for 28 years, retiring in 2020.

Throughout his lifetime, Carey attended several churches and was a longtime member of Full Armour Ministries. He was rebaptized in 1993 at 20th & Birch Church of Christ. After many years away, he returned to his childhood church, St. John Baptist Church, where he remained until his health began to decline.

Carey deeply loved his community and dedicated time to coaching youth football, baseball, and soccer. He even played soccer himself as a goalie. Carey loved his family, friends, Omega fraternity brothers, and the Dunbar Class of 1973 with all his heart.

He enjoyed life and loved having a good time. Carey loved playing and watching golf — especially following Tiger Woods — traveling, cooking (his famous cowboy potatoes were a family favorite and brisket), and listening to blues music. Carey loved almost everything… except the Dallas Cowboys.

Carey was preceded in death by his sister, Minnie Childers; his granddaughter, Alexis Breana “Buffie” Childers; his parents, Otho Wayne and Ethel Marie Childers; and his grandparents, Isaiah and Delia Newman.

He leaves to cherish his amazing legacy: his devoted wife of 51 years, Joyce Childers; daughter, Rovelin Cummings (Thomas); sons, Carey Don Childers Jr. “Pooe,” Bran'Don Childers (Tabatha), and Rashaud Evans (Angel); and adopted daughter, Ava Sherman.

He is also survived by his siblings: Curtis Childers (Grace), Karen Henderson, Kathy Thompson (Charles), and Kirby Childers (Sepbrana).

His grandchildren include Carey Don Childers III, Paul Anthony, Cecilia Rodriguez, Jordynn Childers, Kyveon Upshaw, Brae'Len Childers, Lon'Dynn Childers, Thyrii Childers, and adopted granddaughter Kamryn Neiman.

He is also survived by his aunts, Edna Holmes (Richard) and Bernadeen Newman, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Carey shared his love generously and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His memory, laughter, strength, and devotion to family will forever be treasured.