Kenneth Ray Kidd

A Tribute to Ken Kidd Kenneth Ray Kidd (Kenny, Ken, Uncle Ken), 74, was much loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was known as an OU fan(atic), an educator, coach, husband and true friend. At 6'2", Ken was a big guy with a huge heart whose smile and friendliness, capacity to help others, and even his ready repertoire of good jokes endeared him to all who crossed his path both personally and professionally. He was content to be quiet in a big crowd and always enjoyed talking with people one-on-one. Originally from the small town of Walters, Oklahoma, he carried the rural Oklahoma work ethic with him throughout his life. He was a straight shooter and often saw the world through a "right or wrong" lens. He treated people according to his ideals of honesty, steadfastness, reliability, and commitment to positivity. He was always ready to lend a hand when asked. He fell in love with Jean, his wife of 40 years, and quickly embraced the joys of her southern Louisiana culture. Dallas, Tulsa and finally Austin were their homes where they filled life with live music, festivals, boating and enjoying many great times with family and friends. His love of sports started at a young age and continued to record-breaking stardom at the high school level. While his dreams of playing scholarship football for the University of Oklahoma Sooners were dashed by a high school injury, he continued to fervently follow the team, which expanded to include the Louisiana State University Tigers. Ken was proud of his educational accomplishments, completing a degree in Government & Political Science from Central State University in Edmund, OK where he was also a valued member of Acacia Fraternity, Central State Chapter. After graduating, he entered the corporate world as a successful sales agent for several educational publishing companies. He later parlayed his experience in educational sales to teaching at the Austin Can Academy and substitute teaching within the Eanes Independent School District in Austin. There he found his community and developed meaningful relationships with many of the secondary educators and staff. He was fueled by his hope of making a difference in young people's lives, and he was energized by the interaction with many students, especially those in special education. Ken was a student of life who fervently followed current events and often spoke of how recent violent events "broke his heart." He passionately shared his concerns about politics and the environment, always advocating for others' best interests, even in his final days. Ken Kidd, 74, was born on May 2, 1948 the only son of Gilbert and Dorothy Kidd. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by dear ones on August 19, 2022 after a surprising diagnosis and only three weeks of incapacitating illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Shirley Fletcher of Walters, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Jean Fangue Kidd of Austin, TX, (originally from Berwick, LA). In keeping with his wishes, a celebration of life will be planned at a later date and will surely include the things Ken loved - special people in his life, good music, OU football, storytelling and most likely, a few really bad good jokes.

Kenneth Ray Kidd

May 2, 1948 - August 19, 2022