Dr. Philip Childress

October 11th, 1941 - February 12th, 2025

Born in Wagoner, Oklahoma, Dr. Phil Childress was a lifelong educator whose passion for learning and dedication to his students left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He began his teaching career as a chemistry teacher in Vinita, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Kay Carter Childress. The two were married for 51 wonderful years until Kay’s passing on July 1, 2021.

Dr. Childress earned his doctorate at Ohio State University before settling in Kansas, first in Prairie Village and later in Overland Park. For more than 30 years, he was a beloved educator in the Shawnee Mission School District, teaching gifted education at Shawnee Mission East High School. He inspired generations of students with his curiosity, wisdom, and unwavering support.

After a fall in his home in Kansas in October, Emily brought him to Montrose, Colorado, to live close to family. He cherished the view of the San Juan Mountains and treasured the time spent with his daughter and grandchildren. Shortly after arriving, he was placed on hospice care due to complications from the fall. He spent his final days surrounded by the family he loved and died on February 12, 2025. He is now at peace, reunited with his beloved wife and son.

Dr. Childress was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Childress; his sisters, Karen Childress and Jacque Hudgins Childress; and his parents, Norvin and Margaret Childress.

He was a devoted father to his son, Stephen Childress, and his daughter, Emily Childress Fowler. He is survived by Emily, her husband, Andy Fowler, and their children, Ty and Kiara, of Montrose, Colorado.

Dr. Childress will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his quirky sense of humor, and the profound impact he had on so many. His legacy lives on in the countless students he mentored and the family who cherished him.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Overland Park, Kansas.