Michael Jerome Kidder

Michael Jerome Kidder, age 81, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024 while at home in Gulfport, MS, following an extended illness.

He was born on May 16, 1943, to Audrey Krukemeyer and Dale Clark in Portland, OR, and was the loving son of Leslie and Rose Kidder who adopted him in 1946. After completing school at St. Francis High School and North Eugene High School in Eugene, OR, Mike joined with US Navy in 1961. Following Boot Camp, he attended training to become a Sonar Technician in San Diego, Submarine School in Groton, CT, and was subsequently assigned to his first submarine, the USS Rock. Mike was proud of the fact that he had an opportunity to serve on a WWII diesel boat prior to serving onboard nuclear submarines. During his 23-year career, he also served onboard the USS Henry L. Stimson, USS Thomas Jefferson, USS Patrick Henry, Fleet ASW Training Center Pacific, and the USN Submarine Squadron 14, Holy Loch, Scotland. His adventures around the world included time in Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan; Keelung, Formosa; Subic Bay, Philippines; Hong Kong; Bangkok, Thailand; Rota, Spain; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix; Guam; Scotland; England; Paris, France; inside the Arctic Circle; and crossing the Panama Canal. Following retirement from the Navy, Mike became a “camp follower” of his military wife and lived in Washington, D.C.; Kingsville, TX; and Woodland Park, CO. They moved to Gulfport in 2019.

Mike married Barbara Cunningham Kidder on April 28, 1984, in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Navy Yard Chapel and they loved each other dearly during their 40 years of marriage. He exemplified his last name and loved sharing his wonderful sense of humor with everyone, especially his family, daughters Kelli Bryan and Traci Ferguson of San Diego, CA; and sons Jeffrey (Tammy) Kidder of Covington, LA; and Steven (Stephany) Kidder of Denver, CO; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Dale Kidder.

The family would like to thank hospice nurse Beverly Freeman for her amazing, loving care in Mike’s final months. In accordance with his wishes, Mike’s ashes will be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Sailor, rest your oars.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is assisting the family. Please share memories, condolences and photos at www.riemannfamily.com.