John Edward Kidd

John Edward Kidd of Astor, Florida died on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, at 70 years old. John was born on February 20, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Ruth and Vernon Kidd, who precede him in death. The Kidd family includes John’s siblings: Thomas, Glenn (Louise), Vernon Dale (Karen), Cindy (Bob, deceased), Nancy (Danny), Raymond “Pete” (Bob), Phyllis Jean “P.J.” (deceased), Larry (Kim), and Gerald “Hoss” (Kim). John has numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. John grew up in Corbin, Kentucky and lived most of his life in Cincinnati. He moved to Florida to enjoy his retirement on the St. John’s River doing what he loved most – fishing. When he was not fishing, John could be found riding his motorcycle or building his impressive pocketknife collection.

John was a member of the U.S. Army 1/10 Calvary 4th Infantry Division from 1969-1971. He served one year in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam campaign Medal w/60 Device. After his military service, John returned to Cincinnati and his job at Heekin Can Corporation, later known as B-Way, where he spent the next 30 years as a punch press mechanic. John and his first wife, Belinda Boehm, raised their two daughters, Georgia (Don) Anderson and Ann Marie Chambers. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Auggie, Nora, and Kyla. He particularly like to tell them “I’m Batman!”

In the late-1990’s, John became the proud owner of his favorite watering hole, Ethel’s Tavern. He would share a story and a beer with his many friends between pool tournaments and singing karoke. Once a year he treated his customers to a now-famous pig roast, including his secret recipe “Mole-Ass” barbeque sauce. It was important to John that hard-working folks could have a place to relax and have fun together. His time at Ethel’s Tavern achieved that goal.

John moved to Florida in 2010 to enjoy his retirement full-time. He spent his days fishing on the St. John’s River. Despite living the fisherman’s life that he had always wanted, something was missing. In 2016, John married Cheryl Branam in the beer garden at Ethel’s Tavern surrounded by family and friends. John gained a “bonus” family that day; Mark (Erin) Bechtold, Krissy (Tyler) Froman and grandchildren Kacey, Makaylee, Maycee, Naome, Madisyn, Hailee, and Chloe and great-grandson Joseph.

John never knew a stranger. He made friends wherever he went, and his close friends became more like family. When John liked you, there was no denying you were part of his clan. Many can attest to being part of his “people”, including the Evans family, Gibson family, Amber Smith & family, and countless others who are too many to name. John taught a lot of people to laugh, how to fish, how to enjoy a peanut butter milkshake on a long motorcycle ride, and the meaning of real friendship. You will be missed John Kidd.

**In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Cornerstone Hospice Foundation

2444 Lane Park Road

Tavares, FL 32778

Online: donate.cshospice.org