Roger Lee Kidder, 70, of Higden, AR passed away at Unity Health Medical Center, Searcy AR on October 3, 2024.  

He was born in Denver, CO. His parents were George Edson Kidder and Dorothy Jane Versch, both deceased. In 1967, George loaded the entire family up in a VW bus and moved them to Anchorage, Alaska where he would work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Roger attended high school in Anchorage, Alaska before enlisting in the US Army in 1971. 

Roger served in the Army from May 1971 – February 1974. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving from March 1972 to March 1973, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during his deployment. 

Roger later met Patricia (Pat) Fouse in Hays, Kansas. They married in 1975, and resided in Garden City, Kansas for many years. They had two children, Casey Kidder (Jennifer) and Kelli Hoover (Jason). 

Roger and Pat divorced after 20 years, and he would later move to Higden, AR. Roger co-owned and operated Heart O’ the Lake Boat Service in Greers Ferry, AR for about 15 years along with his brother Jay Kidder and sister-in-law Kathleen Kidder.

Roger enjoyed the outdoors and the peace and solitude of lake life, but it was also rare for him to miss a neighborhood gathering or a chance to go boating. He had an ornery sense of humor, and was notorious for pulling pranks on his friends and neighbors for a laugh. He could often be seen driving his golf cart around what became known as “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” stopping to chat or offer a helping hand. He was well-known for his ability to fix just about anything, and he made many friends from his willingness to help someone out. He often rode his Harley Davidson with friends around the Arkansas countryside. He enjoyed listening to music, whether it be in the garage or at a live show. Roger spent his retirement years with his long-time companion, Dianne Dalton. They often spent time together sitting on the back porch enjoying nature, visiting each other’s families or spending time with friends. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as Dianne’s children and grandchildren. Roger’s memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends and all those who were fortunate to know him.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents George and Dorothy, and his sister Connie Kidder. Roger is survived by his brother Jay Kidder (Kathleen), of Wichita, KS; sister Tammy Milne (Warren), of Eaton, CO; brother George Kidder (Lorraine) of Fort Collins, CO; son Casey Kidder (Jennifer) of Topeka, KS; daughter Kelli Hoover (Jason); grandchildren Grace, Norah and Garrett Hoover; his long-time companion Dianne Dalton and many beloved friends and neighbors.

To honor Roger’s wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service. A celebration in his memory will be announced at a later date, along with a family gathering in NW Kansas to place a marker in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CARTI at www.carti.com/foundation.