Robert Lee Kidwell, a longtime resident of Willow Springs, unexpectedly passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, while at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains due to natural causes. Robert was born November 18, 1949, in Bedford, IN to Robert Lee and Thelma Mae (Cook) Kidwell and was 75 Years old.
Bob grew up and graduated high school in Bedford, Indiana. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War working as a Motor Transport Operator. After he was discharged, he planted roots in Willow Springs where he met the love of his life, Brenda “Sue”. They were married on June 3, in 1978, and to this union Chrissy Lee and Kyle Robert were born. Bob worked as a backhoe operator for 20+ years. When he wasn’t working, Bob invested his time in his family. Eventually he earned the name “Papa” and his nine grandchildren brought much joy to his life and he jumped at any opportunity to show them off. Anyone who knew Bob knew he loved deer hunting, fishing, and hunting for morel mushrooms especially with his late son and best friend, Kyle. He was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and if you heard opera singing or whistling, Bob was probably close by. He loved to ride roller coasters with his daughter Chrissy and baking cakes and cupcakes for his loved ones. Bob was so loved and left many relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Mae and Robert Lee Kidwell; his son, Kyle Robert Kidwell; his sister, Vicki Lagle; his brother, Tim Kidwell; his mother and father-in-law, John and Ivalee Christopher; his brother-in-law, Max Christopher; and nephew, Cecil Lagle.
He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda “Sue” Kidwell; his daughter, Chrissy, and her husband, Jeremy Crudgington; his daughter-in-law, Tiffany Kidwell; his nieces, Angela Swenson and Stormy Guthrie; his nephew, Cody Lagle; his cherished grandchildren: Wyatt, Landon, Aspen, Paisley, Bradley, Austin, Ian, Ransen, Kade, and great grand-daughter Brooklynn Crudgington.
A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Willow Springs City Cemetery with military honors being performed. Bob attended Crossways Fellowship Church in Willow Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made toward funeral expenses.
