Donald R. Kidwiler II, age 79, of Whipple, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, surrounded by his wife, family and friends.
Born on October 11, 1946, in Parkersburg, WV to the late Donald R. and June E. Alexander Kidwiler, Don was preceeded in death by his grandparents, parents, his father and mother-in-law, John and Joan Rech, dear family friend, Kareem Demian and his faithful dog, Macy.
Don graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1964, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, stationed in Norfolk, VA and proudly served on the USS Rigel AF-58. Don was a carpenter by trade so in 1992, he opened his own business, Top Shop, in Parkersburg, WV and ran Top Shop until selling it in 2014.
On July 2, 1993, Don married Karen Rech Kidwiler, and celebrated almost 33 years of marriage. Don loved spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He also loved his two Corvettes, spending time going for long drives and to drag strips with his wife and their close friends, Bud and Susan Schenkel. Important to him also was spending time with close friends and neighbors, Atef and Nagwa Demian and their family, and Jim and Judy Dunn.
Never one to be idle, if he was not busy, he worked on his tan down at his pool, spent time as a proud member of the American Legion, Highland Ridge Community Church, and for 27 years, was a board member for Highland Ridge Water Association.
Above all else, Don's greatest joy was his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was their loudest cheerleader, attending their birthday parties, dance recitals, sporting events, graduations and Makenzie's wedding. Don's infectious laugh and playful debates with referees and umpires will be fondly remembered.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Karen; daughter, Natalie Gray; son, Nathan Russell; grandchildren, Makenzie (Nick) Ingraham, Zack Russell, and Sadie Gray; honorary granddaughter, Leah Stalnaker (daughter Wrenlee); great-grandsons, Ezra and Grayson Ingraham; brother-in-law, Mike Rech; brother, Jeff Kidwiler; nephews, Steven Rech and Jesse Rech, along with both of their families; and his beloved shih tzu, Ozzy.
The family extends appreciation to all who cared for Don with love and respect, including Devola VFC, Amedisys Hospice, Right at Home, Alison Atkinson PA-C, Strecker Cancer Center, and the VA. The family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the following caretakers for the dignity, comfort, and compassion they provided for Don and his family: Rebecca, Cody, Renea, Tiffany, Kim, Amanda, Amber, Timber, Willie, and Diane Fulton.
Funeral service with military honors will begin at the conclusion of visitation, which is from 3pm to 5pm, Monday, May 25, 2026, at Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, 408 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s honor, to the Devola Volunteer Fire Company or Amedisys Hospice.
Cawley & Peoples is honored to serve Don’s family, and condolences may be sent by visiting CawleyandPeoples.com or by following the funeral home’s Facebook page.
