Merle A. Kidwell

MERLE A. KIDWELL, age 78, of Kinsman, OH, died Thursday, July 27, 2006 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He was one of thirteen children of Omar C. and Inez (Arnold) Kidwell, born February 11, 1928, in Kinsman, OH. A lifetime Kinsman resident, Mr. Kidwell was employed by U.S. Gypsum in Warren, OH, for 32 years as maintenance supervisor. He also served his community in law enforcement for 35 years. Mr. Kidwell served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and also the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. His hobbies included gardening and he enjoyed fixing things. Mr. Kidwell is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Lou (Bingham) Kidwell, whom he married July 21, 1951; five daughters, Gloria Wynne of Auburndale, FL, Vicki (Rodney) Pucak of Wasilla, Alaska, Bonnie (Rick) Ruetenik of Williamsfield,OH, Wendy (Jim) Ferry, Sr. of Champion, OH, and Christy Coleman of Cleveland,OH; eight grandchildren, Michael, Russell, Katie, Robin, Abby, Randi, Tim, and Bryan; three great grandchildren, Mikey, Cherish, and Devyn; three brothers, Duane Kidwell of Paxton, MA, Omar Kidwell, Jr. of Jamestown,PA, and Robert Kidwell of Sharon, PA; and two sisters, Dorothy McBride of Kinsman,OH, and Betty Malys of Cortland,OH. He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Paul Lewis; three brothers, Bernard, Leo, and Lawrence "Tink" Kidwell; and four sisters, Ruby Stredney, Marjorie Wade, Sara Jane Kidwell, and Mary Leslie. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in Kinsman Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kinsman United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Kinsman,OH 44428, or to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, P.O. Box 1947, Quantico, VA 22134. Arrangements were handled by Baumgardner Funeral Home, 8569 Main St., Kinsman,OH. Guestbook available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com

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