Carl Childress

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Emery C. “Carl” Childress, Jr., age 77, of Gulfport, Mississippi, formerly of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Monday morning, May 23, 2016 at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport surrounded by his loving family.

Carl was born on August 15, 1938 in Joplin, Missouri, to the union of the late Emery C. Childress, Sr. and Janice (Kinmouth) Childress. He graduated from Kemper Military Academy, where he attended from age eight to eighteen. Mr. Childress served his country faithfully for twenty years in the U.S. Army, earning the title of Sergeant First Class. After retiring from the Army, he continued working for the next thirty-three years in the food and beverage, entertainment and gaming industries.

Carl was united in marriage with Antonia “Toni” Giannelli in Colorado Springs, Colorado and she survives. He is also survived by three daughters, Barbara J. Childress, Anna C. Childress and Janice Childress; and five sons, Adam P. Childress, Michael A. Childress, Emery C. Childress, III, Eric C. Childress and Earl C. Childress.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Edward C. Childress.

Funeral services for Mr. Childress will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with Reverend Bob Simon officiating. The family will receive friends at 11:00 prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.