William Riley Kidwell
September 26, 1939 - March 2, 2023
William Riley Kidwell, 83, of Brazil, Indiana passed away at home on March 2nd, 2023.
He was born on September 26, 1939, in Brazil, Indiana, the only son of Herbert Riley Kidwell and Frances Louise (Turner) Kidwell.
Bill graduated from Brazil High School in 1958 and Indiana State University in 1962 with a degree in business administration. While in high school he lettered in football and track. Upon completion of college he began his career at Riddell National Bank starting as teller and being promoted to assistant cashier in 1966, cashier in 1970, vice president in 1976 and President in 1981 until retirement in 1999.
Bill found the love of his life, Mary Ann Leavitt, while in high school and they were married August 21st, 1960. They were blessed with two children and remained married until his wife’s passing in November of 2021. Bill and Mary Ann were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Brazil.
Bill was an avid outdoors man. He loved to spend hours hunting and fishing and was rewarded with his prize catches and kills. The family enjoyed eating whatever was brought home and prepared by his wife. At the same time, he was developing his passion for the game of golf. Bill was quite the adventurer, to say the least. He obtained his pilot license and co purchased an airplane. He became a member of the Central Indiana Anglers club which he and his partner won numerous fishing contests. He served in the Elks and enjoyed playing cards and socializing with all his numerous friends while being a member.
Bill loved to travel, whether it was to the beach with the family or golf trips with friends and his wife. His most memorable trip was to London, Wales and Scotland. A visit to Kidwelly Castle in Wales and a round of golf at St Andrews in Scotland were some of the highlights.
Retirement was not wasted and the game of golf became his favorite past time. He and his buddies always had a round of golf to play daily, upwards of 20 players on some days. Bill and Mary Ann enjoyed golfing together as well. One of the factors in why they chose a second home in Venice, Florida so they could play year long and escape the cold winters. He also loved the sun and ocean, so relaxing on the beach in Venice between days of golf was the perfect way to spend the golden years.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann (Leavitt) Kidwell; a grandson, Matthew Steven Myers; daughter in law, Sherry (Warner) Kidwell.
Survivors include his daughter, Jill Lynne (Kidwell)Myers and husband Steve of Terre Haute; his son William Steven ”Steve” Kidwell of Brazil; Grandchildren Erika Lynne(Myers)Heath and husband Chad, Ashley Nicole Kidwell, Katelyn Marie Kidwell and a great grandson Grayson Matthew Heath; one sister Barbara Anderson and husband Jim of MN; extended family and a host of friends.
Services to honor both Bill and Mary Ann will be held, Tuesday at 7:00pm at French Funeral Home, with Gary Scroggins officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-7. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests, donations be directed to the Indiana State University Foundation, 30 N. 5th St. Terre Haute, IN. 47807 or the Forest Park Golf Course, 1018 S. John Steele Dr. Brazil, IN. 47834.
