Dr. Carroll Childs

Dr. Carroll Arthur Childs, 82, died February 10, 2008 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Ashworth Road Baptist Church, 5300 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines.
Dr. Childs was born February 9, 1926 in Keokuk, Iowa, to Arthur and Herschel Childs. He and his family moved about the Midwest, where he developed his love for music, mastering the trumpet and French horn.
He served with distinction in the European Theater during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge.
After the war, Carroll attended Drury College in Springfield, MO, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 1948. He then completed his Masters of Education in Music at Northwestern University in 1952 and in 1963, he completed his Doctorate in Music at Colorado State College.
Dr. Childs began his teaching career in 1950 at Pleasant Hill, MO and subsequently taught at Mountain Grove, MO until 1953. That same year, he began teaching in the Wichita (KS) Public Schools and in 1954 became the Director of Instrumental Music. In 1966, Dr. Childs was selected as the Supervisor of Music for the Des Moines (IA) Public Schools. He retired from that position in 1989.
Throughout his career, Dr. Childs was active in the Iowa Music Educators Association (serving as President) National Music Educators, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and his church, as Choir Director, Education Director, and Sunday School Teacher.
Dr. Childs was preceded in death by both parents and is survived by Jo, his wife of 53 years, two sons, Scott (Carole) of Goddard, KS and Quentin (Tracy) of Indianola, IA, and eight grandchildren, Crista, Lisa, Nathan, Michael, Cameron, Amanda, Riley, and Rebecca.
Dr. Childs will have a private burial at the Waukee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashworth Road Baptist Church, 5300 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA, the Dr. Carroll A. Childs Endowment Fund for music students at Drury College, 900 N. Benton, Springfield, MO 65802 or Hospice of Central Iowa-Kavanagh House, 900 56th St, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway is handling arrangements.

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