Obituary of Sr. Kidwell

James Henry Kidwell, Sr., 83, of State College, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born December 13, 1929, in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Henry and Elsie Hebel Kidwell of Pine Grove Mills. On July 31, 1955, he married Jo Ann Ellen Musser, who survives. Also surviving are two children, James Henry Kidwell, Jr. and his wife, Denise, of Rheinholds, Sara Marie Usner and her husband, Jeffery, of Lititz; one brother, Robert L. Kidwell and his wife, Rita, of State College; one sister, Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Marcella of Hawaii; two brothers in law, John N. "Jack" Musser and his wife, Carolyn, of State College and Donald E. Musser and his wife, Charlotte, of Milroy; six grandchildren, Marie Robbins and her husband, Justin, Corin Dundore and her husband, Kevin, Peter Kidwell and his wife, Rachel, Taylor Kidwell, Kylee Kidwell and Lois Usner and her fiancé Kyle Lantzy; two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Carter Robbins. He was a 1949 graduate of Fairmount Avenue High School, State College Area School District. James served in the US army from 1952-1953, during the Korean Conflict. After 44 years, he retired on January 2, 1992 from the Centre Daily Times as a printer in the composing room. He was a member of Pine Hall Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir for almost 35 years. He sang with the Pine Grove Mills Men's Chorus, he was a past member of the Penns Valley Men's Chorus, the Brush Valley Mixed Choir, and Centre Squares. James was also a member of the State College Elks #1600, the Pine Grove Mills VFW and the Pine Hall American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing, boating, square dancing, gardening, camping, lawn care and spending time with his grandchildren. Visitation will be 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 West College Avenue, State College, with the Reverend Susan Williamson officiating. There will be an additional visitation at 10 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 West College Avenue, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.