Larry Leon Kidwell

Larry Leon Kidwell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a mentor to many who was immensely loved. Larry Kidwell, 78, of Clinton passed away at his home in the early hours of August 10th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Originally from Louisville, Illinois, he started his aviation career in Lafayette, La working for Petroleum Helicopters Inc. He later worked for Paul Fournet and was active in the Commemorative Airforce (CAF) and chief mechanic on a WWII P38 fighter, "The Scatterbrain Kid" along with other vintage aircraft. Through his hard work and love for aviation, he accepted the position of the Director of Flight Services (DOM) of the State of Louisiana in 1972, he then moved to Baton Rouge where he remained until he retired in 2020. Larry Kidwell was the recipient of the FAA Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic Award", a prestigious honor recognizing his 50+ years of service in the aviation industry. He is preceded in death by his father Leon Kidwell and his mother Della Kidwell. He is survived by his doting wife of 43 years, Mellisa "Faye" Kidwell. His children: Brian Kidwell, Stacey Dupre and husband Derrick Dupre, Bridget Kidwell Thibodaux and husband Chad Thibodaux, Christie Evans and fiancé Basil Crawford and Jennifer Kidwell Sinclair and husband Jeremy Sinclair. Grandchildren: Liam Kidwell, Ashlyn Langley and partner Lucas LeCoq, Conner Langley and wife Claire Langley, Logan Langley, Presley Dupre, Alex Westcott, Kira Thibodaux, Rylee Romano, Blakely LeBourgeois, Bella LeBourgeois, Brooklynn LeBourgeois and Easton Sinclair. Great grandchild: Evelyn Langley. Brothers in law and sisters in law: Ricky Richard, Joey Richard, Patsy Ball, Glynn Ball, Elizabeth "Kootsie" Bauer and Rick Bauer. Numerous nieces and nephews and special niece, Nannette Curry. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home in Zachary on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 3pm until service at 6pm conducted by Chaplain Booker Baskin.