A lifetime of family and community, Gary R. Kidwell, 82, of Vanceburg, died Saturday, November 15, 2025, after a long battle with dementia, leaving behind his wife, Alice Nelson Kidwell.
A lifelong Lewis Countian born Sept. 20, 1943, Kidwell spent more than 50 years chronicling and building local sports.
After graduating from Lewis County High School in 1961, he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and Rank I degrees from Morehead State University.
He began teaching and coaching at Millersburg Military Institute in 1965 and returned home in 1967, ultimately serving Lewis County Schools for five decades.
“Gary was the voice and the record-keeper of Lewis County athletics,” wrote Dennis K. Brown in The Lewis County Herald.
For more than half a century, Kidwell hosted WKKS’s Saturday Morning Sports, penned the weekly Kidwell’s Korner, and served as the long-time “Voice of the Lions,” using his platform to spotlight student-athletes rather than himself.
Tributes Pour in for the Late Coach
On the field and in the office, he wore many hats: player, coach, teacher, athletic director, umpire, and conference commissioner.
He helped revive Lewis County’s football program, spent 26 years as commissioner of the Eastern Kentucky Conference, represented the county on state and national boards, and umpired softball at the state level.
Honors followed: induction into five halls of fame, KHSADA Athletic Director of the Year (1995), and a top-five national AD finalist.
Friends and colleagues flooded social channels with memories. Pastor Kent posted, “Prayers for all the family and countless friends of Coach Gary Kidwell, who has gone home to heaven.
A great man whom I will miss until I see him and Merle again one day.” Mark Maynard wrote, “Everybody knew Gary Kidwell… Gary and his son, Merle, are reunited, and that should bring a smile to all of us.
Dennis Brown’s obituary, shared by many, drew praise for its “heartfelt tribute.” Former coworkers and students remembered Kidwell’s kindness and knowledge.
Kenny Clark recalled working many games with him and serving together on the 16th Region Athletic Council: “Great guy, well respected, and he will be missed. RIP COACH!”
Tom Clay noted a shared Morehead State Hall of Fame induction and called Kidwell “proud to know him. RIP.” David Jery summed it up: “There will never be another guy like him from this area!”
Others remembered classroom moments and Dad jokes — Vicky Hieneman: “I could listen to his stories for hours…not to mention the dad jokes.”
Vivian Stidam: “I’ll never forget drivers Ed class with him.” The outpouring makes clear he was “Mr. Lewis County” to many. Tim Carper added;
“Sad to hear that the Old Coach, Gary Kidwell passed away this afternoon. Coach was a fine man and a great friend. I do take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with Merle and in the presence of his Lord. Rest in peace Coach.
Coach was one of the first guys to call me when I began my broadcast career. Just to let me know he would help in any way. Later we worked together with the EKC and spent many hours together.
My favorite memories of Coach was at the state tourney every year. He would hold court with several of the “old timers” and I loved just sitting and listening. I learned a great deal sitting around that table.”
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice Nelson Kidwell; his daughters, Stacy Anne Kidwell and Tai Kidwell Hieneman; his daughter-in-law, Mandy Kidwell; six grandchildren; and his siblings and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his son, Gary “Merle” Kidwell, and his parents.
Services are at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Vanceburg Christian Church, with burial at Mound Cemetery in Piketon, Ohio. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. Arrangements are by Gaydos Funeral Home.
As Gary signed off for years: “This is the old right-hander saying, ‘Have a good week in sports!’”
