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Donald Wayne Kidder

December 29, 1938 - April 15, 2023

Condolences(2)

  1. REPLY
    Jessica H. says

    Fly high, my friend. It was a pleasure working with you at Purdue. My condolences to Don’s family.

  2. REPLY
    Greg Bonner says

    Doug, I’m sorry to read of your Fathers passing. I remember meeting your Dad when you guys would come to Defouw’s. You’re Dad was just as energetic and outgoing as you, he will be missed. Prayers for you and your family.

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Donald Wayne Kidder passed away peacefully at The Springs on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the age of 84He was born on December 29, 1938, to Lucille and Virgil Kidder at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana.   

     Don graduated from Jefferson High School with the class of ‘59.  Following graduation, he went to work at Alcoa. In 1961 he was drafted and chose to serve in the U.S. Air Force.  On May 4, 1962, he married Linda Nugent at Brown Street Methodist Church in Lafayette, Indiana. 

       Following his military service, he returned to Lafayette and returned to work at Alcoa.  After earning a business/computing degree at a business school in Indianapolis by taking night classes, Don left Alcoa to work at Purdue University’s Computing Center for 38 years, retiring in 2008 at age 70. 

     Don was a workaholic.  While working at Purdue, he also started a business along with his son, Doug, supplying and installing after-market auto trim products.  They not only serviced many of the auto dealers in Lafayette, but also many surrounding Indiana towns, the Indianapolis area, and as far North as Schaumburg, Illinois.  He had the gift of gab and didn’t know a stranger.  This served him well in the car business. 

    Summer was his favorite season. He loved boating on Lake Freeman and teaching his kids and many of their friends how to water ski. The boat was always full of friends and family. Those are some of the family’s fondest memories along with Florida beach vacations and big family get togethers which he loved. 

    Don was a very generous person and was always there, not only for his family, but many others along his way in life.  He especially loved his grandchildren, Ryan and Megan, and always tried to be there for all their activities.  He played a major role in his grandson Ryan’s life and was a big influence in his baseball playing years.  One of their best times was when Ryan made the team to play in Cooperstown, NY. 

    Don is survived by his son, Doug Kidder, daughter, Michelle Kidder, grandson, Ryan Kidder, and granddaughter, Megan Kidder, all of Lafayette.  He is also survived by his ex-wife, Linda Nugent Kidder of Lafayette and nephews, Michael (Doris) Bowman of Panama, Steven (Debra) Bowman of Rossville, Indiana, and Rob (Stephanie) Bowman of Greenwood, Indiana.  He is preceded in passing by his parents, sister, Betty Bowman, and brother-in-law, William Bowman. 

    Per Don’s wishes, there will be no services.   You may share memories and condolences online at www.tippecanoememorygardens.com.  Rest in peace, Don.