Eldred Wilson "Laddie" Kidwell, Jr. fell asleep in death on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at the Hampshire Center in Romney, WV, after a bravely fought battle with Parkinsons.

Born on April 6, 1937 in Cumberland, MD, Laddie was the eldest son of Eldred Wilson Kidwell, Sr. and Lenna Mona (Fridley) Kidwell. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Denver and Daniel Kidwell.

He married his wife, Wanda Ann (Jones) Kidwell on August 5, 1957 in Cleveland, OH. Although he was from Hampshire Co. WV and Wanda was from Tucker Co., Cleveland is where they crossed paths, when both Eldred and the Jones family traveled there to find work in the '50's.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 4 loving children: Sherri Kidwell of Springfield, Derrick Kidwell (Holly) of Levels, Jeremy Kidwell (Amy) of Romney, and Travis Kidwell (Melissa) of Points, along with 11 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren, who were extremely special to him. He also has two sisters still living – Shirley Poling of Baker and Glenda Dier (John) of Naples, FL. "Uncle El" will also be greatly missed by several nieces and nephews.

Having lived and worked almost his entire life in Hampshire Co. and nearby, Eldred was well-known in the community. He spent a good part of his career as a mechanic, including working out of his home garage after retiring. Even while struggling with dementia, you could ask him any question about cars and get an accurate answer. In addition to being a muscle car enthusiast and a doting grandfather, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and caring for the land. With the exception of recent years due to his illness, he did not spend much time indoors and the grass never grew beneath his feet! He was well-known as someone who "forgives and forgets," and was always ready to help anyone, whether family, friend, or stranger.

Eldred was a faithful member of the Romney Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall, 320 Jersey Mountain Rd., at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with refreshments at the Coca-Cola Bottling Works immediately afterward. To view the service on Zoom, Meeting ID: 467 525 587, Password 304822

The Kidwell family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Hampshire Center for the excellent care Eldred received, including that of his granddaughter, Samantha Kidwell, for helping to make his last days as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

All arrangements are handled by McKee Funeral Home, Augusta, WV.