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Donald J. Kidder

1933 ∼ 2026

Donald J. Kidder
local_florist 5 floral tributes sent

Donald Kidder, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, in Port Arthur, Texas, at the age of 93. Born on June 15, 1933, in Arnaudville, Louisiana, Don built a life centered on family, friendship, hard work, and the simple things he enjoyed most. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

After graduating from Cecilia High School, Don served in the Army and was stationed in California. He married his high school sweetheart, Sybil Taylor, and together they moved to Port Arthur, Texas, where he worked as an Electrician for Gulf Oil. He retired from Chevron in 1989. Retirement did not suit Don for long, and took a handyman position at Little Flower Catholic Church, just a few blocks from his home. He worked there for nearly 10 years alongside his priest, Father Jeremiah McGrath, who became one of his best friends, before retiring for good.

Don enjoyed gardening, working crossword puzzles, reading, and playing Booray & other card games with friends on the weekends. More than anything, he enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Nearly every Sunday, his daughters came over for a friendly game of Mexican Train, a tradition that became a treasured part of family life. Don & Sybil also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Sybil Kidder of Port Acres, and his four daughters: Donna Keddy and her husband, Karl, of Port Acres; Cindy Richard and her husband, Gary, of Port Acres; Carole Kidder of Nederland; and Anna Newcomb and her husband, Tyler, of Lumberton. Don’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Amy Soto and her husband, Tony; Jared Walters and his wife, Noelle; Kirsten Soliz and her husband, Eric; Cassie Solis and her husband, Steven; Blake Richard and his wife, Amanda; Spencer Cole and his wife, Mary; and Alaina Abrego and her husband, Julian. He was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Kidder; his brother, Francis Kidder; and his sisters, Genevieve Guidry, Aspazie Tate, Mildred Stansbury, and Grace Kidder. He also mourned the loss of his granddaughter, Chelsea Richard, and great-grandson, Ryker Solis. A Rosary will be held at 9:30 am on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, followed by a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, 6412 Garnet Avenue, Port Arthur, Texas 77640. A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:00 am at the same location. Graveside and entombment will follow the service at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.

Condolences

Jill Williams October 19, 2026
So sorry to hear of Mr. Kidder’s passing and your loss. He was a great man among many of his era for sure! Praying for your peace during this difficult time. 🙏✝️
Guy Benoit October 15, 2026
To all the family, I'm very sorry for your loss. He was a good person, and will be deeply missed. I'm sure he's in heaven enjoying the company of our lord and all his friends that got there before him. My parents, Joyce and Jesse Benoit, especially.
Bobbie Jo Clapp October 7, 2026
You all are in my heart and prayers. May God comfort each of you during this time of loss.
Kevin Fontenot October 7, 2026
I’ve known this family practically all my life. Don & Sybil raised a fine family and I was blessed to have known them. My heartfelt condolences to Sybil & the Kidder family. Rest In Peace, Don Fair Winds and Following Seas Brother Veteran…..✝️
Jerry October 7, 2026
I’m thinking about you today. Love you both
Brenda Hebert Burgin October 7, 2026
My condolences to Aunt Sybil and the girls. So sorry for your loss.
Michael Kidder October 6, 2026
To the entire family of Donald J. Kidder, I send you my deepest and most sincere condolences. As for my favorite memory of him, anyone who knows me knows of my passionate love for football. I credit that love to him. As would happen on occasion, Uncle Donald, Aunt Sybil and my beautiful cousins would have our family over for Thanksgiving dinner. I was nine years old when we arrived at their house this particular Thanksgiving day, and a game that he was watching was on television. I was curious about it and I went to sit next to him. He proceeded to take the time to teach me all the rules of the game, and from there, my passion was born. Over the years, when we would be together, we would always talk football. Thank you Uncle Donald for instilling such joy in my life! Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Always, Michael
Karen Kidder October 6, 2026
Tony and I would like to our thoughts and prayers to Uncle Don's family and friends. We miss the visits here in Arnaudville with him and Aunt Sybil. He will be fondly remembered. Rest in peace.
Teri Hebert October 6, 2026
Oh my heart hurts to find this out! I always looked forward to Mr Kidder coming in to see us at Eye Centers. It was a pleasure having him as a patient. We are praying for your sweet family. ❤️ Teri
Mary Jo Fontenot October 6, 2026
We sure shared a lot of stories and memories at Little Flower back in the day ❤️🙏 Prayers for Sybil and the family 🙏 RIP Don
Kellie Shipp October 5, 2026
My Sincere condolences. I lived in his sister’s old home for several years. I always enjoyed my visits with them. I’m so sorry, your father was such a great man. God bless.
Bryan Hebert October 5, 2026
So very sorry for the loss of my great uncle. I know that he will be greatly missed. Much love and prayers for all family and friends.
Anthony (RED) Jacobs October 5, 2026
My Deepest condolences to my friend Anna and her family my thoughts and Prayers are with you and Anna have known each other since Elementary at Dick Dowling
Mindy Ross October 5, 2026
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Gauthier October 5, 2026
My prayers are with the family God is good. Blessings to all.
James Myers October 4, 2026
Mr Kidder was an example of a humble Catholic Christian exemplary of his obedience to God. He loved his family deeply with no regrets for his service to the Church ( Little Flower) in Port Acres. He is going to better place and wait on his Christian family and friends.
Natalia and John Fielder October 4, 2026
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Kidder McDonald October 4, 2026
Pat and I send our deepest condolences to Uncle Don’s Family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏼❤️🤗. Pat and Cheryl McDonald
event_available

Services & Events

event Rosary

location_on St. Therese, the Little Flower Catholic Church St. Therese, the Little Flower Catholic Church, 6412 Garnet Ave, Port Arthur, 77640
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

event Visitation

location_on St. Therese, the Little Flower Catholic Church St. Therese, the Little Flower Catholic Church, 6412 Garnet Ave, Port Arthur, 77640
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

event Mass

location_on St. Therese, the Little Flower Catholic Church St. Therese, the Little Flower Catholic Church, 6412 Garnet Ave, Port Arthur, 77640
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

event Graveside

location_on Oak Bluff Memorial Park 618 Block Street, Port Neches, TX, 77651
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Following Service