Mr. Richard Beal Kidd Sr.

Richard Beal Kidd Sr., known by his friends and family as "Beal" passed away June 19, 2009 after a long and enjoyable life. He was born to Pearl Lovell Kidd and James Lee Kidd Sr. on November 19, 1915 in Van Buren County, Arkansas, the fourth of five children. As the son of an elected official he was exposed at any early age to political life, and became a polished statesman and faithful lifelong member of the Republican Party. He began his career, after graduation from the State Teachers College in Conway, at the School for the Blind in Little Rock, AR. Later he served as business manager for both the Blind and Deaf Schools. After many years as an educator he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and was appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower to the office of United States Marshall for the Eastern District of Arkansas in 1954. When appointed he was the youngest marshal in the United States. A defining moment in his career was in 1959 when he successfully supervised the integration of Little Rock Central High School. His success there led to the eventual integration of all Arkansas schools. This accomplishment was also recognized in Life magazine. In 1963 he was appointed as a Probation Officer and later elevated to Chief Probation Officer for the Eastern District of Arkansas and continued there until retirement January 1, 1987. Beal had an awesome sense of humor and this characteristic, along with his integrity, and nobility of spirit made him a true "man of the people", whom he loved and served with honor all his life. He and his wife Lois were faithful members of Winfield United Methodist Church for 60 years. He loved his church and their choir held a special place in his heart. He was married for over 70 years to the love of his life and lifelong companion, Lois Ludean Lane, of Bellefonte, AR who survives him. He is also survived by one son Richard Beal Kidd Jr., known as "Dickie", a grandson Richard Beal Kidd III, known as "Tre", his wife Sheri, and a great grandson Karsen Beal Kidd all of Harrison, AR. Also surviving him are numerous nieces and nephews. His two sisters Ola Perdue of Little Rock and Oma Mauldin of Choctaw and his two brothers Ralph Kidd of Choctaw and J.L. Kidd Jr. of Little Rock preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home on W. 12th St. in Little Rock from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Funeral Service will be held at Winfield United Methodist Church in Little Rock at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 24, 2009. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Heart Association or to Winfield United Methodist Church.