Ted Kidd

Ted Kidd, 96, formerly of Northwood, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Melbourne, Arkansas. He was born on December 11, 1927, in Hellier, Kentucky to Noah and Octavia (Halbert) Kidd.

Ted was a devoted husband, proud military veteran, hard-working railroad employee, and Christian. Ted proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, while stationed in Tachikawa, Japan as a Senior Aero-Medical Technician. He bravely served his country in the military, where his commitment to duty and honor earned him the respect of his peers.

Following his military service, Ted embarked on his career as a conductor with the Chessie System, (now CSX) in Walbridge, Ohio, retiring in 1988, after 40 years of service. It is here that he discovered his love of trains, and made many life-long friends, some of whom referred to him as “Tedeski,” or “Festus,” due to his prominent Southern drawl.

In his younger days, Ted was a World Bible School Instructor (via mail) to over 1800 students from the African countries of Nigeria and Ghana. He was a founding member of the Walbridge V.F.W. post, a member of Christ Dunberger American Legion, and the Disabled Veterans Association. In his spare time, Ted enjoyed writing original poetry, basket weaving, stained glass creation, watching old Westerns, and hunting small game and deer.

Ted’s greatest source of joy was his marriage to Laura Jean (Childers) Kidd in 1948. Together, they shared six decades of love, laughter, and the business of creating a home filled with warmth and love. He will be fondly remembered for his gentle demeanor, unwavering integrity, colorful stories told in his distinctive “Hillbilly vernacular,” as well as his willingness to lend a hand to others.

Ted leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication that will continue to inspire his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grands, and numerous friends. Ted is survived by his children, Jack (Susan) Kidd, Rhonda (Ted) Cowell, Twila (Ed) Harger, and daughter-in-law Beth Kidd; Grandchildren, Rachel, Danny, Jay, Duane, Amber, Heather, Caitlin, Devon, Sean, Paul Aaron, and Caleb; as well as 16 Great Grandchildren; Siblings, Jan Patton, Rosemary (Ronald) Wyant, Don (Reda) Fleming, Jim Fleming, and Fern (Paul) Baxter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his darling wife, Laura Jean, and his youngest son, Noah Paul.

Ted Kidd’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and service to others. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to share in his journey.

Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd., in Oregon on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 2-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am at Freck Funeral Chapel, with entombment to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to Echo Meadows Church of Christ in Oregon, Ohio or St. Jude.