Robert Kenneth “Kenny” Childress was born July 5, 1940 in Richlands, VA and passed away February 15, 2021. He was 80 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda; his daughter Tesa; grandchildren, Kylie and Hunter; sisters, Wanda, Jean and Joan, and many members of his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kenny Childress; parents, Joseph and Lillian Herrman; brothers, Raymond, George and Charles, and his sister Fern.

Kenny grew up in Akron and attended Buchtel High School, but later joined the U.S. Air Force at age 17 where he completed his GED. He was in the Air Force for 9 years where he became a bomb engineer, installing and inspecting bombs on fighter jets.

He later worked as a painter with his brothers, and as a maintenance engineer at a children’s hospital. He retired from Allstate Co. as the Senior Building Engineer where he left many friends.

Kenny’s passion was racing. He was an avid race car fan and driver and loved NASCAR. He was invited to Daytona International Speedway to autograph the new grandstands. He and his brother won many trophies at local racetracks. He enjoyed bowling on many leagues throughout the years with his friends Bill Stafford, BJ Murphy and Dale Bills.

Kenny loved life, family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He had an ornery sense of humor and was a very social person who never met a stranger. He enjoyed helping others and was always there for anyone in need. Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed.

Calling hours for Kenny will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron on Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 11:00am-1:00pm with a service at 1:00pm.