Tom Kidwell

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

On October 17, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, the world said goodbye to a man of remarkable spirit and zest for life, Thomas Kidwell, known to all who loved him as Tom, who was born in Monterey Park, California on October 2, 1953. Tom was a smart man with an adventurous soul, a loving heart, and a sense of humor that could light up even the gloomiest of days.

Tom was not only an accomplished forklift operator for over 50 years, but also an impassioned music enthusiast. He was employed at Leggett and Platt in Carthage. He recently relished the live performance of Carlos Santana in Kansas City along with his beloved wife, Carol Kidwell, to whom he had been married since November 24, 1973. 

A funny man, Tom had a knack for brightening up any room with his humor. His love for adventure led him on many hikes and camping trips, experiences he thoroughly enjoyed. However, the joy of his life were his grandkids. They were his whole world and he left no stone unturned to make them feel loved and cherished.

Thomas will be profoundly missed by his loving wife, Carol Kidwell; his daughters, Alicia (Kenneth) Jarosz and Emily (Gary) England; his son, Keith (Uriah) Kidwell; his brother, Stephen Kidwell; sisters, Candy Wood and Kathleen Mitchell; grandchildren, Gary England III, Colette England, Keith (Uriah) Kidwell, Kairi Kidwell, Jordan Kidwell, Rose Kidwell. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Kidwell, and Maura Sterling.

Tom was a Christian, and his life was a testament to his love for his family, his passion for music, and his unyielding faith. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We encourage friends and family to share their memories and upload photos of Tom to his memorial page, celebrating his adventurous, loving, smart, and funny life.


Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home