Walter Carlos Tidwell

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 27th, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. in Elmwood Memorial Park located at 5750 Highway 277 South.

Walter Carlos was born September 7th, 1926 in Blytheville, AR to Walter Hayes and Selma Tidwell. Walter enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1951; married Eileen Celeste Dumey on September 12th, 1951 and together they were off on adventures that included two tours to Germany. Walter also served one year in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He retired as Msgt after 22 years 9 months and returned to Abilene in 1973 where they have lived ever since. After military retirement, Walter worked at Arrow Ford, White Chrysler and Star Dodge, each in the parts department.

Several years ago due to declining health in each of them, Walter and Eileen were moved to Wisteria Place Nursing Center where he was at the time of his passing.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Eileen Tidwell of Abilene; two daughters, Carla Tidwell of Albuquerque, NM and Marla Hanks and husband Randy of Abilene; son, Joe Tidwell of Abilene; three grandchildren, Shelby and Jason Tidwell, Cody Allen and two great-grandchildren, Shaylee & Presley Allen, all of Abilene. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Stutts and husband Wesley of Sikeston, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.