Donald A. Kidd, Jr.

Donald A. Kidd, Jr., affectionately known to many as "Sonny," passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Junction City, Kansas. Born on January 18, 1942, in Wyett, Missouri, Donald lived a life marked by steadfast dedication, quiet strength, and profound love for his family and country.

Donald’s early years set the foundation for a life of service and commitment. In the early 1960s, he answered the call to serve his nation by joining the United States Army, dedicating twenty remarkable years to military service. Rising to the rank of 1st Sergeant (1SG), he retired with honor on February 28, 1981. His military career was one of the accomplishments he held most dear, a testament to his sense of duty and perseverance.

Following his military tenure, Donald continued to serve the public through a career in civil service until his retirement in 2001. This chapter of his life reflected the same qualities that defined him—dependability, intelligence, and a quiet, steadfast commitment to his community.

On April 9, 1964, Donald married the love of his life, Esther Trulove, in Missouri. Their union was a cornerstone of his life, embodying partnership and mutual support. Together, they enjoyed shared hobbies such as bowling, and Donald’s passion for fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, and home remodeling projects were often family affairs, where his skill and care were evident.

Donald was a loving family man, always holding his family close in heart and spirit. He cherished family reunion vacations to Dexter, Missouri, where treasured memories were made. These annual gatherings saw the men engaging in fishing and hunting adventures, while the women reminisced with stories of days gone by, creating bonds that would span generations. He found special joy in fishing trips with his son and daughter, as well as the simple pleasures of family picnics, moments filled with connection and laughter.

Described as quiet, stoic, and deeply dependable, Donald’s intelligence and love never wavered. His proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly his military service and his family, who remember him with admiration and affection.

Donald is lovingly survived by his wife Esther Kidd; daughter Julie Johnson and her husband Vernon; son Donald A. Kidd III; grandchildren Rosemary Dahlgren, Sarah Hanning, Matthew Johnson, and Anje Kidd-Weaver; great-grandchildren Sean Dahlgren, Harper Dahlgren, Rowan Dahlgren, Maddox Hanning, and Silvia Kidd-Weaver; and his siblings Ronald Kidd, Jane Meeks, and Linda June Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald A. Kidd Sr. and Ruth Mae Kidd, his daughter Debra Kidd, and his brother Billy Kidd.

A graveside service will be held in his honor on May 15, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Manhattan, located at 5181 Wildcat Creek Road in Manhattan, Kansas. This final tribute offers a moment for family and friends to come together, reflecting on a life well-lived and a legacy firmly rooted in love, service, and quiet dignity.

Donald A. Kidd, Jr.'s life remains a powerful example of dedication—to country, to community, and most importantly, to family. His memory will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, a lasting testament to a man who lived with integrity and grace.