Orval Allen Childs

Orval Allen Childs, Jr. died peacefully at his home Oct. 8, 2014. Allen was born June 7, 1934 at Duckett, Polk County, Ark. He was the eldest son of Floy and Orval A. Childs, Sr. He moved to Magnolia, Ark. when his father became a professor at Southern State College, now Southern Arkansas University. Allen attended SAU obtaining an associate degree in Agriculture, and earned his BS from Oklahoma State in Agriculture and Industrial Arts. He then attended the University of Arkansas earning his Masters in Secondary Education Guidance. He served in the Army in France. Allen taught Industrial Arts at Poyen and Fountain Lake for several years and later worked for International Harvester. In 1981, he moved to Little Rock and began Glass Menders. When he married his wife, Kathy, the name became A/K Glass Menders. Allen continued to work with his business until 2009, although he lent his expertise until his death. The business continues as Hodges Glass Menders. Allen believed in people. Following the National Glass Association's guidelines, he hired, trained and molded employees who might not worked for another Glass company. He was seldom disappointed. When A/K Glass was located on Garland St. in Little Rock he found honorable work for people down-on-their-luck, whether cutting grass, working in his vegetable garden or cleaning the garages, rewarding more than tasks warranted. He admired anyone who was willing to apply themselves regardless of their background. He had an extraordinary work ethic formed in childhood lasting until death. Allen's other passion was duplicate bridge. He amassed almost 12,000 master points and a Grand Life Master (the highest designation in the American Bridge Association); in 1996 he was part of winning team in the North American Senior Teams. He played at Little Rock Duplicate Bridge Club the night before he died. He enjoyed mentoring players, almost as much as he liked winning. He began cutting back on the number of tournaments he competed in by mid-1990 when he and Kathy cared for his Father until his death. Shortly after, his daughter, Adrienne moved in with infant her twins, Allen and Amelia. They resided until her husband joined them. The twins are the "apple of his eye" and his everlasting joy. He relished the role of Grandad never complaining about missing bridge tournaments. Allen loved to garden and enjoyed sharing his harvest. He was a compulsive reader finishing at least one book a week, more often two or three. He was a skilled carpenter; the family joked that whatever Allen built, it was for posterity. Allen loved animals, especially dogs, his Springer Spaniels and his rescued rottweiler, Dude. He suffered from with Ataxia with dignity. Allen is pre-deceased by his parents; two brothers, Mac and Ves; as well as his beloved daughter, Adrienne Young and son-in-law Steven Young. He is survived by his brother, Bart of College Station, Texas; sister-in-law, Holly Childs of Fayetteville. Cherishing the time spent with Allen are his wife of 30 years, Kathleen Childs; grandchildren Allen and Amelia Young, Culpeper, Va.; as well as five brother-in-laws; six sister-in-laws; 23 nieces and nephews; and 13 great nieces and nephews; and bonus grandchildren, Darius, LaMarie and Ashley and their parents Lamar and LaToya Grey of Culpeper Va.; and countless bridge partners. Allen was a man for all seasons. He worshiped at St. Edward Catholic Church for over 20 years. Funeral Services are at St. Edward Church, 9th and Sherman, Little Rock on Oct. 18, 2014 at 1 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Edward's Capital Campaign, Easter Seals of Arkansas, or the Little Rock Duplicate Bridge Club. May God bless the wonderful staff of the VA Dialysis Center. Their love and skilled care for patients is extraordinary. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Mr. Childs' online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.