Dr. John E Kidwell

KIDWELL, DR. JOHN EDWARD ("PaPa") A deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026 at the age of 99. PaPa was born on August 31, 1926 in Mineral Wells, Texas. PaPa and his brother, Curtis, lost their mother at a young age and were raised by their grandparents Rueben and Calvina Riggs, as well as several aunts and uncles. During his free-spirited childhood in rural Texas, PaPa discovered his passion for dentistry by accident. The legendary story involves PaPa on his bike and being run off the road and losing teeth. PaPa visited the traveling dentist and shadowed him when he came to town. Anchored by this purpose, PaPa received his B.S. from SMU’s pre-dental program immediately after serving in the U.S. Navy. On January 31, 1947, he married the love of his life, Helen (“MaMa”). By the time he enrolled in Baylor College of Dentistry, they worked full-time and had two small children, Suzy and John. PaPa graduated in the Class of 1955, started his own practice in 1960, and Sally was born shortly thereafter. PaPa cultivated unique joy at “the office” on Sherry Lane, where he considered it a privilege to serve generations of patients and work many days of his distinguished 40+ years career alongside John and Sally. After losing MaMa to cancer in 2003, PaPa found love later in life, marrying Betty Dalchau on May 13, 2006. An optimistic and energetic soul who thrived outdoors, PaPa provided his family with a cherished and serene escape from the city at “the farm.” He was a devout Catholic, moved by music and had a beautiful, soothing voice. PaPa was also an avid runner and dedicated golfer, especially upon retirement.

PaPa is now reunited with MaMa, his youngest daughter Sally Ann Swenholt, and Betty. He is survived by his daughter Suzanna Kidwell Johnson, son Dr. John Michael Kidwell (Christy), grandchildren Nikki Crosby (Bret), Cari Brashier (Adam), Ryan Johnson (Anita), Shauna Swenholt, John Kidwell (Erin), Annie Kincaid (Michael), Hayden Swenholt (Adriana), and Steven Swenholt, and cousin Cassandra Riggs Pace. PaPa’s great-grandchildren – Addison, Lindsey, Aven, Rett, Bailey, Wilson, Phillip, Mariana, Camila, and Riggs – picked their favorite word for PaPa at his 90th birthday party. Each is sprinkled here throughout, remaining perfectly descriptive over the past almost 10 more years that we were gifted with PaPa’s graceful presence.

PaPa will be remembered for his cheerful smile, enviable ability to make people feel special, and immense devotion to his family and faith. Even in his last days and hours, PaPa received communion, hit golf balls at Brookhaven, and rested while listening to Frank Sinatra. He was surrounded by loved ones, including Lucy Garza, his longtime caregiver. He was the consummate patriarch and will be profoundly missed.

The rosary will be held at 10:30 am with a funeral mass at 11:00 am then reception on Tuesday, 4/14 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Farmers Branch. A private interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery.