Grant Edward Childs November 6, 1948 - September 7, 2026

Grant Edward Childs, 77, of Santaquin, Utah, passed away on September 7, 2026. He was born on November 6, 1948, in Basin, Wyoming, to Edward Lynn Childs and Lois Annie Beck.

Grant attended schools in Basin, Wyoming, and later attended Northwest College, where he played basketball. He loved to hunt, fish, and play sports. A talented musician, he played the trombone and later learned to play the guitar. He shared a special bond with his brother Bruce, and together they enjoyed many projects involving Volkswagen Bugs.

Grant served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Torreón, Mexico, where he experienced great success. While serving there, he met Maria Elvira Guerrero Rodriguez. Following his release from his mission, they made immediate plans to marry. They returned to Wyoming, where they welcomed three sons: Daniel Edward Childs, Isaac Grant Childs, and Ammon Jay Childs. In 1979, Maria’s life was tragically lost in an automobile accident, a loss that profoundly changed their family.

In February 1980, Grant married Afton Irene Bowen of Payson, Utah, who survives him and is lovingly known as Irene. Both Grant and Irene entered their marriage after losing previous spouses in 1979, each bringing three children into their new family. Grant adopted Irene’s children, Andrea Irene Moore, James Wesley Childs, and Ronald Albert Childs, who became Childs children in every meaningful sense. Together, Grant and Irene welcomed four more children: Kevin Joseph Childs, David Lynn Childs, Katrina Afton Terry, and Richard Scott Childs.

Grant spent most of his working life as a general contractor. He was a true handyman who could tackle nearly any project, and he also worked for many years as a real estate appraiser. Entrepreneurial by nature, he worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family.

The work most important to Grant was his service in the temple. He first served at the Provo Utah Temple and later served for many years at the Payson Utah Temple. At the time of his passing, he devoted extensive hours there four days each week, serving in maintenance, facilities, and as an ordinance worker. As a young father, he also served in a bishopric in Payson, Utah.

Grant coached soccer teams for many of his children and taught all of his children to fish and play chess. He found peace and solace in the mountains, where he enjoyed rock hunting, searching for arrowheads, and being outdoors. He was the world’s most loyal BYU football fan, and many of his children had the opportunity to attend games with him.

Above all, Grant had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life was a mission of becoming a disciple and serving as an example to others of how to do so. He leaves a remarkable legacy of faith, service, hard work, and devotion to family.

Grant is survived by his beloved wife, Irene Childs; his children, Daniel Edward Childs (Tara), Isaac Grant Childs, Ammon Jay Childs (Tasha), Andrea Irene Moore, James Wesley Childs (Stacie), Ronald Albert Childs, Kevin Joseph Childs, David Lynn Childs (Heidi), Katrina Afton Terry (Michael), and Richard Scott Childs (Kayla); 38 grandchildren; a growing number of great-grandchildren; and many beloved siblings and their spouses.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maria Elvira Guerrero Rodriguez; his parents, Edward Lynn Childs and Lois Annie Beck; his brother, Bruce Childs; his mother-in-law, Afton Bowen; his father-in-law, Albert Bowen; and his brothers-in-law, Jim Loveland and Gary Bowen.

Services

A viewing for family members and close friends will be held Thursday evening, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah.

A public viewing will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the Santaquin Stake Center, 45 South 500 West, Santaquin, Utah. Funeral services will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Santaquin Stake Center. Interment will take place immediately following the services at the Santaquin Cemetery, 100 East 300 South, Santaquin, Utah. Lunch will be provided following the graveside service.