Obituary of Larry Thomas Tidwell
Larry Thomas Tidwell
Larry Thomas Tidwell, of Joliet, passed away suddenly, after a long battle with lung disease, on Monday, December 21, 2020, with his children by his side. Larry was born in McNairy County, TN, on August 10, 1941, the son of the late Hurley A. and Margaret M. (nee Palmer) Tidwell. He grew up in Leapwood, TN, and was a graduate of Adamsville High School. Larry moved to Joliet, from the south, like many others, for job opportunities. Larry was formerly employed as a Joliet City bus driver, he also worked at the Joliet Arsenal. In 1995, he retired from Com Ed after more than 25 years of dedicated service as an Instrument Technician. Larry was a hard worker that always kept himself busy. After retirement, he started Tidwell’s Heating and Cooling in Joliet. Larry and his friend Ron enjoyed helping many people on their service calls over the last 20 years.
Larry was a social person who enjoyed being active in the community. A resident of Joliet for the majority of his life, he was involved in the Elks Club, the Joliet Moose Lodge and was a lifetime member of the South Side Civics Club. Over the years Larry enjoyed bowling, car races, and car shows. He was well known in Joliet’s Euchre community, playing 3-4 nights a week. On the weekends it wasn’t unusual to find him trying his luck at Harrah’s Casino. Over the past 40 years, you could find Larry, most afternoons, enjoying a cup of coffee with friends at the Silver Spoon (previously the Golden Bear). Larry always had a smile on his face and lived life to the fullest, the way he wanted, every day. More than anything, Larry enjoyed spending time with his family.
Larry is survived by his children, Lisa (James) Allison of Joliet, IL, Scott (Beth) Tidwell of Diamond, IL, and Eileen (Jayson) Walinski of Wilmington, IL; grandchildren, Andrew Simpson, Kevin (Kate) Simpson, Laura, and Amber Allison, Alexis and Justin Walinski, Jacob Tidwell, and Sonja Minnick; brother, David Tidwell of Adamsville, TN; and his longtime friend, Ron Hasse of Joliet, IL. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hurley and Margaret (Palmer) Tidwell, and his siblings, Sue Woods, Kenneth Tidwell, and James Tidwell.
Funeral Services for Larry Thomas Tidwell will be held privately by the family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2020, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral home, 3200 Black Rd., (at Essington Rd), Joliet, IL. As it was his request, cremation rites will be accorded following the services. In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, a 10 person capacity will be followed. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com
