James Allan Kidd, 74, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana with his loving family by his side. Allan was born on February 6, 1952, in Taylorville, Illinois, the son of James Arion and Dora Mae (Rohdemann) Kidd. Allan grew up in Bolivia, Illinois, and later moved to Mount Carmel to attend Wabash Valley Junior College. What began as a move for college became a lifelong home. Allan never left Mount Carmel and took great pride in being part of the community he called home. Allan married Clare J. Walter on September 12, 1981, and together they enjoyed forty-five years centered on their family.
Allan was a hard worker who built many lasting friendships throughout his career. He spent twelve years working for Pacific Press and Shear before beginning a thirty-year career with Duke Energy. In addition to his work, Allan dedicated thirty-seven years to the fire department, retiring as Fire Chief. His commitment to serving others continued after retirement when he volunteered at Wabash General Hospital. In recognition of his dedication to the community, he was honored as Community Volunteer of the Year by the Wabash General Foundation.
Allan enjoyed spending time with his family and especially cherished attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s ball games and school activities. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, and pool. Music was also an important part of Allan’s life, and he enjoyed playing in several different bands.
Allan was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was actively involved in several community organizations. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he attained the Fourth Degree, as well as the Rotary Club and the Wabash General Hospital Auxiliary. Through his involvement in these organizations, Allan continued his commitment to serving others and making a difference in his community.
Allan will be remembered by his loving wife, Clare (Walter) Kidd; his five children, Sandy (Jim) Mattox, Amy Wimberly, Melissa (Beth) Dardeen, Cindy (Brad) Hughes, and Jeff (Roxanne) Kidd; Chloe Grace, his number one child, a ten pound yorkie poo; many loved grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister, Joan Basil; and brother, A.C. Kidd.
Allan was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cathy Johnson; brothers in law, Charlie Basil and Paul Walter; mother and father-in-law, Clarence and Mildred (Butler) Walter.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwling officiating. A private family burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Allan’s memory to Shop with a Fireman or to St. Mary’s Catholic School Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Allan’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Kidd family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
