Donald Gene Kidwell, 83, passed away on January 15, 2020 at Cortland Acres in Thomas, West Virginia. Don made his home in Berkeley Springs for more than 50 years but spent his last three years with his daughter in Canaan Valley. He was born August 2, 1936 in Paw Paw, West Virginia a son of the late Paul Randolph and Rhoda Mary Peters Kidwell.
Mr. Kidwell was preceded in death by his wife, Roxanna Lea Haugh Kidwell on August 7, 1983, whom he married on October 26, 1957 Also preceding him in death, one brother, Garland Lee Kidwell and a son-in-law, Dr. Tom Patrick.
He is survived by three daughters, Kista Kay (and Kevin) Hurley, Rhonda Lea Clem, both of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Donna Jean Patrick of Canaan Valley; one brother, Paul Randolph Kidwell, Jr. of Kearneysville, two sisters, Sue Carol Miller of Paw Paw, and Wanda Lou Clatterbuck of Berkeley Springs; four grandchildren, Anna Lea Patrick, Seattle, Washington; Anna Grace Marie Strouse, Wheeling, Missouri; Matthew Russell Patrick, Canaan Valley, and Nicolas Paul Clem, Durham, North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Justin Wayne Strouse II and Jude Walker Strouse; and his companion Barbara Henry Clark and her son, Travis, both of Berkeley Springs, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
As a teenager, Donald grew up working in the apple orchards in Paw Paw. Don, known to his family and friends as Bean (Don, Donald or Gene, Injun or Pap Pap), was an outstanding athlete excelling in baseball and basketball as a proud Paw Paw Pirate. He worked for AT&T as a communications technician for over 37 years. He served on the planning commission board in Morgan County and was a member of the Morgan County Saddle Club. His hobbies included farming, fishing, horseback riding, deer, coon and rabbit hunting. He was an avid outdoorsman who felt most at peace at his hunting camp on Sideling Hill Mountain.
Friends were received at Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home in Davis, Tuesday, January 21, 4 – 6:30 p.m. with funeral services conducted at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. James Snyder officiating.
An additional visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22, at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 10123 Valley Road, Berkley Springs, West Virginia, from 1 – 2 p.m. with funeral services conducted at 2 p.m.with Rev. Mike Leedom officiating. The family is establishing an annual scholarship to benefit an outstanding senior athlete at Paw Paw High School. Memorial contributions can be made to The Donald G. Kidwell Scholarship Fund, c/o Eastern WV Community Foundation, 229 East Martin Street Suite 4, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at www.hinklefennerfuneralhome.com.
