Thomas Jack Kidder's Obituary
Thomas Jack Kidder was born in St Claire Shores, Michigan on August 30, 1933. He was the oldest of 4 boys. We have had many dinners listening to amazing, funny stories of his childhood, educational and teenage days. All were about a bit of mischief and good clean fun. Sports were a huge part of his life, he excelled at football, baseball and of course hockey, playing on Lake Michigan with phone books taped to his shins for pads. Tom was honored to be a part of A Few Good Men with the Marine Corp during the Korean War. He came home to Michigan, began working for Chrysler Corporation, was married to Barbara and they welcomed Terri Lynn and Thomas Eugene in Detroit. The warmth of San Diego soon called and he began a 28 year career with Rohr. He married Edra in February of 1973 and became a stepdad to Laura, Dale, Myrna, Earl and Kathy. He loved cars and I remember so many different ones in the driveway. He always regretted selling them except maybe the Edsel! Thunderbirds, trucks and of course, the jeep, motor homes, boats, and desert toys were all part of the fun. Great long term friendships were formed camping, fishing and loving everyday. He and Nana had great adventures with all of us from the beaches of Mexico, Lake Powell, Niagara Falls, Lake Tahoe and so many places in between. He loved his workshop after retirement and taught each of us the value and pride of making and fixing things. He was very proud to say the he never collected an unemployment check and always provided for his family with pride, love and honor. Tom, Dad and Papa will be so missed by his adoring Nana, 7 kids, 14 grandkids and 3 adorable great grandkids. He lived a life of joy, love of country and extreme pride for his family. Our life’s have been SO incredibly blessed because of him ❤️
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