Clay Kidwell

Claytus Earl "Clay" Kidwell went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 15, 2015. He passed away in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 68 years, four months and 15 days. He was born May 30, 1947, in Frederick, Oklahoma, to Claude Wallace "C.W." and Jessie (Hodges) Kidwell. His father was a Church of Christ preacher and he and his family frequently moved around from place to place. He attended school in various places including Fargo, Texas. He attended Magic Valley Christian College, in Idaho. He served honorably in the United States Navy Reserves. He was united in marriage to Wanda Kay Cornwell on May 11, 1972, in Galena, Illinois. While living in Byron, Illinois, he began work as a radiographer. He was later employed by Boeing as an industrial non-destructive radiographer. He lived and worked in Illinois, California, Idaho and Washington. He became a level 3 radiographer and was highly respected in his field and regarded by his peers as an expert in digital radiography. After his retirement from Boeing in 2012, he taught classes (radiography) in California, up until his recent health decline. He also did consulting for the United States military. Clay had many passions. He loved nature and the outdoors, especially the mountains. He enjoyed camping, hiking and fishing. He was a music aficionado and was a self-taught guitarist. He loved "Rock-and-Roll" and "Blues". He loved to teach the things he knew to others. Whether it was students or his grandchildren, he had a passion for passing on knowledge to the next generation. He was an honest man and he loved his family. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife: Wanda, Frederick, Oklahoma; a son: Terry Kidwell, of California; a daughter: Devina Hoffman and husband Daniel, of The Woodlands, Texas; a brother: Kerry Kidwell and wife Kelly, of Wickenburg, Arizona; a sister: Cheryl Martinie and husband Larry, of Lake Havasu, Arizona; five grandchildren: Brianna Kidwell, Josh Kidwell, Ethan Hoffman, Connor Hoffman and Jacob Hoffman; and three inherited grandchildren as well: Shaun Michel, Shelbey Michel and Peyton Michel. Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home 580-335-2112