William Kidd

William "Bill" E. Kidd, Jr., 83, of Morgantown, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Bill was born in Crimora, VA on March 24, 1930, the son of the late William Edward Kidd Sr. and the late Marie (Gochenour) Dunn. Bill was a Navy veteran who attended VPI where he received a Masters degree, he then moved to Morgantown becoming a Professor of Forestry-Extension Service at WVU as well as receiving the honor of being named Professor Emeritus. Bill had a large impact in his field, having been a member of many professional forestry organizations and was inducted into the West Virginia Forestry Hall of Fame, despite having been a "Hokie". He also played an influential role in expanding the development of maple syrup production in West Virginia. Bill or "Ole' Peculiar", as he was known to his loving family, was a talented self-taught cabinetmaker, among other things. He was fun loving, often introducing himself as "Billy the Kidd", and a joy to be around. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend, who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Marie Keys Kidd; three children: Kenneth W. Kidd (Dee), Carolyn E. Kidd (Tom), and Leigh Anne Valdes (Chris); eight grandchildren: Jonathan (Heather), Melissa (Jason), Ashlea (Zack), Ian (Christina), Elena, Will, Samantha, and Alex; six great-grandchildren: Layne, Jonah, Cooper, Mackenzie, Venessa, and Jack; his sister Caroline Wren (Tom); four brothers-in-law: Eugene (Vivian), Allan (Penny), Larry (Kathey), David (Frances); two sisters-in-law: Ann (Howard) and Faye (Harley); as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Betty Hudson and grandsons Owen and Sean. Family and friends will be received Tuesday June 4 2013 from 1:00 PM until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 PM at Spruce St. United Methodist Church, 386 Spruce St., Morgantown, with Rev. Dr. John E. Allen officiating. Interment in East Oak Grove Cemetery will be held privately. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bill's memory to: Morgantown Hospice, 1200 J.D. Anderson Dr., Morgantown, WV 26505; Morgantown Area Meals on Wheels, 3375 University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505; or a charitable organization of your choosing. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.