At approximately 11:10 a.m. the morning of July 5, 2021, William Kidwell, affectionately known as "Bill", passed away peacefully in his sleep at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas.  Bill was 82 years old.

Bill was born on May 30, 1939 in Syracuse, Missouri to Bart & Mae Kidwell. He was the oldest of 13 children.  He grew up in Missouri and graduated as a Tiger from Westport High School, Kansas City, Missouri in 1959.

Upon graduation, Bill joined the Army where he served for 20 years. He spent time in Korea, fought in Vietnam, served two tours in Germany & lived in various states within the United States. He earned 14 Distinguished Military Awards while in service to the U.S. Army.  He retired at the rank of 1 ^st Sergeant.

While on his journey, his wife, Clara Geneva Kidwell shared in his adventures. They grew up down the street from one another and were high school sweethearts.  They were wed on November 24, 1961 and remained so until Gen's death in 2015. They had known each other most their lives and were married for 54 years!

Along the way, Bill & Gen had three children, Sherri Lynnette born in Missouri, Laura Michelle born in Germany & William "Mike" Michael born in Alabama.

Upon retiring from the Military, Bill went to work for South Western Bell.  He was a Contract Cable Coordinator and worked for the Company for another 20 years until he retired from that second career.

Not able to stay retired, Bill next went to work for Walmart in Leavenworth as a Door Greeter & worked for the company for 15 years.  His work career was then cut short due to a back injury/surgery that left him unable to continue.  He was FINALLY, truly retired.

Bill enjoyed many things in his spare time.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing (he was a FORD man), was a Jayhawk BB Fan (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!), loved playing cards/marble games, puzzles, spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren), collecting Coke items & Coins, playing Poker & Pinochle, & being a part of the Birthday Club. Finally, Bill was a faithful servant of God and was a member of High Prairie Church.

Bill is survived by: Two daughters, Sherri (& Gary) Tostenson of Spring Hill, Kansas, Laura McGuire of Lansing, Kansas; and one son, William "Mike" (& Carody) Kidwell of Spring Hill, Kansas.  He was blessed with eleven grandchildren & five great grandchildren.

He is also survived by ten siblings:  Four surviving sisters; Mary Ferrie of Climax Springs, Missouri, Judy Kidwell of Lexington, Missouri, Mollie Rodgers of Wellington, Missouri, Minnie Callaway of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and six brothers, Doug Kidwell of Napoleon, Missouri, Richard Kidwell of Bates City, Missouri Arthur Kidwell of Napoleon, Missouri, John Kidwell of Wellington, Missouri, George Kidwell of Independence, Missouri & Joe Kidwell of Independence, Missouri.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Kidwell, his parents Bart & Mae Kidwell, brother David Kidwell & brother Ernie Kidwell.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at High Prairie Church, 26480 187 ^th Street, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at High Prairie Church. Burial and Final Resting Place will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch for family and friends will follow the Burial at High Prairie Church.

Please visit Davis Funeral Chapel's Website, Leavenworth, Kansas for a more detailed obituary. www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com

In lieu of flowers or donations, Memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Project @ WoundedWarriorProject.Org.

Condolences may be left on Bill's online guestbook at www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com

Fun Memories:

Bill had various names throughout his lifetime.  Gen would yell "William I." or "Kidwell" when she wanted his attention (not sure if he was in trouble or not).

"I give King Kidwell" was something we had to call him if we wanted him to let us go.  "Susie" was the name he would have little kids call him to joke around, especially at church.  His grandchildren would call him "Grandpa Susie".   To his Kidwell side of the family and many friends, he was also known as "Sarge" in reference to his Army rank.

Please add memories that you might have in the Davis Funeral Chapel Guestbook.  We would appreciate and cherish these stories.