Kelly Don Tidwell of Huckabay, Texas, passed away in Granbury, Texas, on August 28, 2020, at the age of 46 after his courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Kelly was born August 12, 1974, in Dublin, Texas, to Charlie Tidwell and Rita Tidwell. He attended Granbury ISD schools from Kindergarten all the way through his graduation from Granbury High School in 1992. While at GHS, he was active in FFA while also holding down several jobs including sacking groceries at the old Winn Dixie and working for his dad framing houses and businesses across the county. Upon graduation, he attended Tarleton State University a few years before starting a family. He loved going to lunch between classes at Aunt Gee’s restaurant to sit down and have lunch with the real cook: his grandma. Raising his children, Brittany and Hoyt, and being active in every aspect of their lives was his greatest joy. Upon meeting him, you would know immediately they were his joy and how he would go to the ends of the earth for them. His greatest fulfillment was a hard day’s work; often working from sun-up to sun-down until the job was complete. When he wasn’t working, he loved his small farm in Huckabay, working on antique tractors, family reunions, and lately, ranching his miniature cow herd. While quiet in nature, he was still one of the toughest guys around with a wicked huge sense of humor – often quoting movies as whole conversations with Hoyt. He hated seeing people struggling in this world, especially children, and was often taking care of unsaid needs without anyone knowing. In 2015, he met the love of his life, Kylee, who was his complete opposite, but yet balanced his tough exterior. They were in it together until the end, and never regretted a moment of the fight. In his spare time, he was a member of the Erath County Antique Tractor Club and loved dragging his girlfriend to tractor shows. He earned the name ‘Pappy’ in February 2020, when Brittany brought Baby Langston into this world. In October of 2018, he was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. He stared cancer in it’s ugly face and made the decision to fight hard. Life was lived to the fullest each day while he continued to work in the oil field industry and tending to his herd. He refused to quit living! The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses at Texas Oncology and the team at Interim Hospice for their amazing care during the fight. He is preceded in death by his brother Mitchell Smith and mother Rita Tidwell, as well as his beloved grandparents Hoyt and Edna Tidwell and Blackie and Ruth Adams, and his uncle Benny Tidwell. Kelly Don is survived by the love of his life, Kylee Ann Peterson. Children, daughter Brittany Tidwell with boyfriend Zach Burr, and son Hoyt Tidwell. Grandson Langston “Valentino” Burr. Father Charlie Tidwell and step-mom Anna Tidwell. Brothers Chris and Kevin Watson, and sister Kim Cline. Sister-in-laws Connie Watson and Kara Watson. His aunt Jean Youngblood, and cousins Terry Cline, Salena Shaw , Donna Willis, and Lynn Tidwell. Kylee’s family: Biff and Nancy Peterson, and brother Kason Peterson. Numerous nieces and nephews. And his beloved dog, Pete. No funeral service will be held. In memory, please donate to Hood County Children’s Charity Fund or the Erath County Antique Tractor Club.
11 Responses
My condolences! He was a wonderful man and his children loved him dearly.
I don’t understand why good people are taken from this earth way too early. Kelly was a good man. He worked with my husband at Rayloc back in the day. We all became good friends. He will be missed for sure. I’m so sorry he had to fight the battle and lost.
So very sorry. He fought a hard fight and is now at rest. I hardly knew him, only waved when we passed each other in the front yard…my loss.
My love and prayers go to Brittany and Hoyt as well as the remainder of his family. I only met him a few times but knew his daughter well when she was growing up. May God bring you peace and understanding.
I am so sorry for your loss. This hit our Texas Oncology family hard. We were rooting for him to the very end. We will miss him dearly.
So sorry for your loss. I never had a chance to meet him but I just read his obituary and he sounded like a wonderful man!
Hugs.
I met Kelly when he purchased a rescue longhorn from me. He must have stayed an hour while we just talked and talked. Very kind man and he will he missed. Prayers to his family during this time.
We are so very sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. I met Kelly while he was working at Rayloc with my husband Brian many many years ago. Kelly was a great guy and will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Prayers to the family & friends of Kelly. We didn’t know him long but saw what an amazing person he was.. We met him through the Miniture Zebu community then realized he lived about 2 miles from us. He was always working & promoting his new passion for Zebus. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Especially Brittany and Hoyt. Your daddy was a good man and loved you both and wanted nothing but the best! I’m so happy he was able to meet Langston, precious memories were made, memories to remember for a life time.❤️ Y’all have one tuff guardian angel looking down on you!
Deepest condolences from Darren and I to all of Kelly’s loved ones. Prayers that the Lord brings you comfort at this difficult time.