Donald N. Kidwell

Donald Newton Kidwell, 91, of Newman, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

He was born on March 2, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Claude M. Kidwell and Crystal F. (Thacker) Kidwell.

On August 31, 1957, he married the love of his life, Patricia A. Rutledge, at the First Methodist Church in Mooresville, Indiana. Donald and Patricia shared 67 years of marriage.

In 1968, Donald and Patricia moved to California, where Donald owned and operated Desert Creations, a business installing Corian countertops. He took great pride in his work and built a successful career before retiring in 1991.

After retirement, Patty and Donald loved traveling throughout the United States, enjoying many adventures together. They eventually made their permanent home in Newman, Illinois, to be closer to family.

Donald is survived by his brother‑in‑law, Dallas (Linda) Rutledge of Urbana, Illinois, and his sister‑in‑law, Peggy (Rutledge) Baldwin of Asheboro, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: James Rutledge and wife Lori of Effingham, Illinois; Yvonne Kershaw and husband John of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; Shannon Dwigans and husband Jeff of Asheboro, North Carolina; Brian Rutledge and wife Beth of Tuscola, Illinois; and Theresa Cherry and husband Jean‑Paul of Charlotte, North Carolina.

He is further survived by his great‑nieces and great‑nephews: Leslie Chenoweth of Tuscola, Illinois; Katie Nordgren and husband Michael of Terre Haute, Indiana; E.J. Dwigans and wife Anne of Hendersonville, North Carolina; Natalie Onuska and husband Nick of Greenwood, Indiana; Jacob Kershaw of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; Hannah Pinhorn and husband Daniel of London, Ontario, Canada; and Nicole Slavens and husband Andrew of Effingham, Illinois.

Donald was additionally blessed with great‑great‑nieces and great‑great‑nephews: Kylie, Derek, and Brooke Slavens; Isaac Dwigans; and Sophie Nordgren.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia A. Kidwell (Rutledge); his niece, Pamela (Rutledge) Hamilton; his nephew, Kevin Rutledge; his brother‑in‑law, James Baldwin; and his sister‑in‑law, Christine (Sink) Rutledge.

Donald will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of travel, and deep love for his family.

Donald will be laid to rest at New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana.

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