Joseph Blake Kiddy

Joseph Blake Kiddy, 86, went home to be with Jesus unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at his home.Joseph was born in Blue Creek, West Virginia on September 1, 1925, a son of the late Harvey A. and Dora M. Price Kiddy. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1943 and following a short term with the United States Marine Corp, worked for the CSX, formerly the B&O Railroad, for 43 years as a track switch operator and railroad communication operator. During that time he mentored over twenty new employees in railroad communication. Mr. Kiddy is a member of the Lubeck Community Church and the number one fan of the puppeteers. He was active in Blue Lodge 169, Nemesis Shrine, past watchman of Shepherds White Shrine of Jerusalem. Joseph is survived by Janet Leach Kiddy, wife of 41 years, daughter, Jane Ellen Abbott (Richard) of Deal, MD; daughter-in-law, Clara Kiddy of Parkersburg, WV; step-son, Steve Boone (Jane) of Washington, WV; step-daughters, Patricia Edwards of Belpre, OH and Susan Vance (James) of Mount Royal, NJ; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife, Eloise Sweeny Kiddy; sons, Paul Kiddy and Harvey Kiddy and daughter, Edith “Sparkle” Tomlinson. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green Street, Parkersburg, WV with Pastor Mark Houser officiating. Burial will follow with graveside Masonic services by Lodge 169 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials in Joseph's name may be given to Lubeck Community Church Building Fund.