Kenneth Lawrence Tidwell, 93, of Hermann, Missouri, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Frene Valley of Hermann Stonebridge. 

Ken was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 9, 1923, son of Eli and Lillie Tidwell. 

Ken was the husband of Elmyra Tidwell. They were married on March 10, 1951. Elmyra preceded her husband in death on October 3, 2016.

Ken is survived by daughter Bronya Gumper and her husband Stephen of Hermann, Missouri, and daughter Bambi Lynn Stuart and her husband Michael of St. Louis, Missouri, and six grandchildren Katherine Gumper, Kerry Whitaker, Tiffany Mitchell, Ryan Whitaker, Sarah Bacon and Timothy Bacon and five great grandchildren Joshua Stewart, Hailey Stewart, Aaron Mitchell, Madeline Mitchell, and Allison Mitchell all of St. Louis.  He is preceded in death by his parents Eli and Lillie Tidwell, and his brother Clarence Tidwell.

Ken was a tool and die machinist for nearly 55 years at various machine shops in the St. Louis area and Washington, MO. He moved his family to Hermann in 1969 and commuted daily to St. Louis to work for two decades. He was an excellent craftsman and woodworker, creating furniture and dollhouses. 

Losing his father at a young age, he cleaved to the YMCA throughout his formative years. He credits the YMCA for teaching him how to become an outstanding gymnast, even performing at Kiel Auditorium. Later he became a champion roller skater in dance and figure skating with his wife Elmyra. He loved a good game of bowling and never said no to a game of horseshoes or ping pong. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2017, from 4-8 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann, Missouri. 

Private funeral services will be held Monday, June 26, 2017 at Valhalla Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Memorials may be given to the YMCA in care of Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

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