GOSHEN -- John E. "Skid" Kidder Jr., 73, of Goshen, formerly of Elkhart, died at 9:18 p.m. Sunday (March 8, 2009) in Goshen General Hospital.

He was born July 5, 1935, in Elkhart to John E. Sr. and Adah (Newcomer) Kidder. On April 29, 1961, he married Dorothy A. Montagano in Elkhart. She died Nov. 24, 2001, in South Bend.

Mr. Kidder is survived by three daughters, Martha (Charles) Richardson of Goshen, and Kris (William) Wiltfong and Jackie Jo (Michael) Brewers, both of Elkhart; two sons, John and Frank Wambaugh, both of South Bend; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, William L. Kidder of Elkhart.

Two siblings, Mary Wall and Tom Kidder, preceded him in death.

A service manager at Elmer's Body Shop, Elkhart, for 40 years, Mr. Kidder, also known as Jack, was an Elkhart High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran. He enjoyed boating, working on cars and in his yard and being outdoors. He was an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Bill Elliott.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and a half hour prior to Friday's 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., Elkhart. The Rev. Kevin Bauman of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Vincent's cemetery.

Memorials may be given to The American Heart Association. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.