Vernard Charles Kidwell

Vernard Charles Kidwell, Jr. (October 29, 1925 – February 5, 2024) passed away Monday at St. Elizabeth’s hospital in Edgewood, KY at the ripe age of 98.  He died comfortably, surrounded by family. Vern lived a long, full life with multiple chapters. The only child of Vernard Charles Kidwell, Sr. and Anna I. (Glacking) Kidwell, the doctor who delivered him way back in 1925 arrived to the house in a horse-drawn buggy. Vern went on to serve honorably in WWII, landing on the beaches of southern France with the 36^th Infantry Division, 142^nd Infantry Regiment, and fighting through the end of the war.  He was wounded in battle and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.  He married at the conclusion of the war, fathering four children: Robin (Kidwell) Oatley, Bruce Kidwell, Rhonda Kidwell (decd.), and Renee (Kidwell) Drumm. During this time he was a semi-professional jazz trumpet player. A second marriage brought two further children: Robert Kidwell and Jennifer (Kidwell) Meyer, along with three stepsons for whom he was proud to be a father: Johnathan Massman (decd.), Stephen Massman, and Daniel Massman.  Vern eventually found lasting happiness with his wife and soul mate of 29 years Mary Lou (Bush) Kidwell.  Vern dearly loved Mary Lou’s three adult children Pamela (Bush) Rankey, Robert Bush, and Joseph Bush, along with their wonderful spouses and children. Over his 98 years, Vern was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  Vern’s half-brother Artie Kidwell lives in Covington, KY.  Visitation will be on Saturday, February 10^th from 4-6 pm at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Ft Wright, KY 41017 (next to Walt’s Hitching Post). A brief ceremony will be held at 5:30pm.