Gene Richard Kiddoo, 84, departed this life for his next adventure on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011. He was born August 5, 1927 in Galesburg, IL to Clarence "Brownie" and Blanche Knox Kiddoo. As a youngster he traveled with his uncle Ed Shingledecker as they followed the thoroughbred race horse circuit, racing many times in Hot Springs, AR. He graduated from Joy High School in 1944 in time to participate in World War II in the Philippines, where he was a payroll clerk in the Army. After the war he worked in accounting in his uncle Harvey Kiddoo''s bank in Joy, IL until he could open a Ford dealership there. In the late 1940''s he was hired by the International Harvester Corporation and he moved to Los Angeles, California. After being promoted to District Manager, managing California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada he moved to Oakland, CA, where he flew his Piper Tri Pacer for both business and pleasure. Later Gene worked for Oliver Corporation and lived in Fresno, CA.
In 1981 he met Karen Schwyhart Bouse on a blind date. They celebrated 30 years together after many travels and adventures. They were "soulmate" explorers visiting many places and living in many cities, states, and an island in the south Pacific. Gene earned the nickname "Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine". He and Karen danced at Senior centers and the American Legion whenever possible.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Darrell Kiddoo. In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by his stepsons, Charles Stickerod of Los Gatos, CA, Chip Stickerod and wife, Shirleen of Avila Beach, CA, Wade Bouse and wife Arlene of Yukon, OK, and Ty Bouse of Norman, OK; one stepdaughter, Penny Bouse of Newalla, OK; 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, one brother, Bill Kiddoo of Joy, IL, two sisters, Leah Kiddoo of Canyon Country, CA and Betty Jo Clarke and husband, Jack of Saugus, CA, Allan Schwyhart and sister-in-law, Renee Vandergrift and husband Lynn of Wichita, KS.
A special thank you to Good Shepherd Hospice and the staff at Ozark Nursing and Care for all the attention they gave Gene. A memorial service will be Monday, Oct. 10th at 2:00 PM in the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield. An inurnment will be on Tuesday, Oct. 11th at 10:00 AM in the Missouri Veteran''s Cemetery.