William "Bert" Childs III

Our world changed forever on October 13, 2025, when William Liberty “Bert” Childs III died. Bert was born in Houston, Texas on November 8, 1946, to William Liberty Childs, Jr. and Georgiana Szarkowski Childs. He was the second of 7 children. Named after his father and grandfather, he went by “Bert” and “Berty” as his grandfather had.

Bert grew up in Houston and graduated from Lamar High School. He spent many happy summers at his aunt and uncle’s ranch near Leakey, Texas where his love for wide open spaces was born.

He spent six years in the Navy, serving his country during the Vietnam War.  After he left the Navy, he returned to the University of Texas, realized going to class was important, and finally graduated. In 1978, he met his future wife, Susan, and they were married later that year. In 1991, they moved to New Braunfels where they purchased a fixer upper on 12 acres and began a new chapter of life.

Bert used his skills to MacGyver many projects on their property. (Some even still work!) During those years, Bert especially enjoyed his time with the Knights of Columbus, NB Noon Lions, Sts. Peter and Paul and the Mission of Divine Mercy.

Bert loved everything but especially God, family, country, guns, Longhorn football, entertaining, arguing and a good alcoholic beverage. He had a knack for writing and enjoyed the years he was author and editor for both the Knights and Lions newsletters. He also enjoyed his time with his Fit4Life exercise group.

He leaves behind his wife, Susan; daughter, Rebecca; son, Bill; daughter, Madeline and her husband, William. He is also survived by his siblings: Charlsie; Georgiana (Bob); John (Katy); Anne (Tom); Carl (Noemi); numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Phyllis.

Visitation will be Monday, October 27, from 5 to 8 pm at Lux Funeral Home. A rosary will be said at 7 pm. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday, October 28, at 10 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Reception to follow. Burial will be at Ft. Sam at 1:30 pm.

During his months of hospitalization and rehab, Bert had many wonderful caregivers and staff at Eden Home, PAM and Christus Santa Rosa. The family would like to thank them for their care, concern and support.

Please no flowers. Instead, donate to a charity close to Bert’s heart: Mission of Divine Mercy, Charity Navigator, Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice. Or, spend the money on something to celebrate Berty, like a fine scotch or rum. You know he’d love that.