Arthur Benjamin Kidder, 98, of La Porte, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family, longtime caregivers, Eric and Sandra Kidder.
Arthur was born on April 11, 1922 in Bristol, IN to Sylvanus and Olga (Eskilson) Kidder.
On December 23, 1945 in Elkhart, IN, he married Norene Skaggs who preceded him in death on April 12, 2012. Surviving Arthur are his children, Darla (Dale) Hock of Manchester, MI and Eric (Sandra) Kidder of Culleoka, TN; 6 grandchildren, Drew (Tracey) Hock of Manchester, MI, Darren (Stacy) Hock of Manchester, MI, Dayna Hock of Manchester, MI, Darci (Paul) Majewski of Manchester, MI, Katherine Kozal of Grand Rapids, MI, and Susan (Ray) Beauregard of Phoenix, AZ; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great, great-grandchild; siblings, Richard "Bud" Kidder of Elkhart and Olga Fuller of South Bend; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents; wife; 3 brothers, Allen, Donald, and Edward; and 2 sisters, Nancy and Sally.
Staff Sergeant Arthur B. Kidder proudly served during WW II in the U.S. Army Air Corp (USAF), where he served as an Airplane Maintenance Technician from 1942-1945. Arthur was assigned to the 304th Transport Squadron and 30th Transport Group. He spent 22 months in the China, Burma, and India Theatres. Arthur completed 96 missions and over 9000 flight hours. In August 1944, he proudly earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Unit Badge. Later in January 1945, Arthur earned the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Arthur was a sewing machine mechanic for over 40 years at Boris Smoler & Sons. He was a member and past Post Commander of the American Legion, Zook Farrington Post #434, Kingsford Heights. Arthur enjoyed fishing and growing fruit trees and tomatoes. He was a member of the former Galena Baptist Church and also attended Bible Baptist Church, New Buffalo.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Mark Bouslog and Pastor David Thompson officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Rolling Prairie Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Due to the recent Governor's Order, anyone attending the visitation and/or service is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing of six-feet. Also, we are limited to 25 people in the building at any given time. We kindly ask for your patience as we oversee these mandated guidelines.
Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Eric Kidder, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to the donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.
