Ernest Fred Tidwell

It was Sunday, October 2, 2011 that Ernest Fred Tidwell, at 90 years of age, passed away peacefully with family membrs by his side, into the Glory of God. He said, "I'm going to walk up to my wife Verna in heaven and say,' "Don't I know you?" These were the first words she said to me many, many years ago." '

Fred, as he was known to his friends, was born May 7, 1921 in Cleveland, Alabama. He was one of eight children born to the late John Bunion Tidwell and Maybell McCay Tidwell. He was proud to have served in the US Army in World War ll. When asked how long he served, he would say with a smile, "5 years, 6 months and 12 days."

He moved his family to Bakersfield from Texas in 1952. He worked in the oilfields most of his life, several years for Coastal Drilling as a driller and also as a pusher. He also worked for Midway Fishing and Tool Company as a salesman and trouble shooter on oil rigs. His work ethic was so respected that his manager once said of him, " This company could use more good, hardworking men like Fred."

He was a devoted husband and father who loved to be a jokester and tell funny stories. He was a menber of the Apostolic Church and he loved the little children at church, always having candy in his pocket for "little hands".

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Verna Mae Viola Hopkins Tidwell, four brothers, JC Tidwell of Georgetown, TX, Alfred Tidwell of Big Spring, TX, Ralph Tidwell of Georgetown, TX and Charles Tidwell of Andrews, TX. Also three sisters, Ruby Jean Clark of Minneapolis, Minn., Sylvia Doty of Big Spring, TX and Patricia (Pat) Barba of Rancho Cardova, Ca. and a very special friend of the family that was like a son to him, Jerry Culp of Bakersfield, Ca.

He is survived by his four children, Freddie Mae Breedlove and husband Thurman of Bryson City, NC, Veda Louise Garner and husband, James of Bakersfield, Ca, Joy Nadine Baker and husband Warren of Bakersfield, Ca. and Tony James Tidwell and wife, Mildred of Bloomery, West Virginia. Also, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Fred brought fun and laughter to all of us that knew and loved him and he will be greatly missed. A special thanks goes to all of the ladies that took such loving care of him at The Park.

Viewing will be at Mish Funeral Home-Oildale, 120 Minner Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. Monday, October 10, 2011, 6-8 PM.

Services will be at Mish Funeral Home-Oildale, 120 Minner Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 1PM.

Arrangements under the direction of Mish Funeral Home, Bakersfield, CA.