Keith Allen Kidner
January 25, 1947 - April 4, 2026
Keith A. Kidner passed away at Wesley Glen Nursing & Rehabilitation on April 4, 2026. Keith was born at White Cross Hospital in Columbus, Ohio on January 25, 1947. His parents were Gilbert A. and Margery (Huchison) Kidner. He spent the first ten years of his life living in Fayette County, Ohio. The family moved to Columbus (Clintonville) in the spring of 1957. He was an Eagle Scout and a proud graduate of Columbus North High School, class of 1965. While at North he was active in music (band, orchestra, dance band, senior choir, and many small ensembles). He graduated from THE Ohio State University in 1969. While at OSU he was a member of the marching band (TBDBITL), Kappa Kappa Psi, and Army ROTC. He was commissioned in the US Army Signal Corps. His military service on active duty took him to Ft. Gordon (Georgia), Ft. Sill (Oklahoma), and Long Binh RVN (First Signal Brigade). After leaving active duty, he served with the US Army Reserves, completing his service as a Captain.
In his professional life he had a long career in information technology management at several companies (OCLC, Compuserve, AEP, OSU).
Above all, he loved his family. He married Eileen Franczak on October 9, 1976, and they had 49 happy years together. He had great joy raising his children Helen (Casey) Devine and Ian Kidner through scouting, sports, music and education. Being a grandfather to Miriam and Alayna Devine brought him a profound joy only grandchildren can give.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his sisters Mary (Ralph) Landers and Margaret Lephart, and sister-in-law Adele Hatheway. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Keith was a Eucharistic minister, lector, and active parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church.
Beyond these milestones of Keith’s life, it is the day to day that provides the whole picture. Keith carried himself with a quiet persistence. This was rooted in values like integrity, ethics, and compassion. And these were easy to see in all aspects of his life. His thoughtful approach to gardening; how he eagerly accepted any request to help someone; his involvement with the Immaculate Conception Community; or his active support of political ideals that improved lives of everyday people. Keith approached activities in a consistent and friendly manner. If he said he was going to do something, you knew he would. And it typically came with a subtle joke and smile.
Like all people, Keith encountered struggles throughout life. From losing his mother at a young age, navigating career choices, medical issues, and all the other typical ups and downs. He often set aside personal pursuits when a need to help others arose, which undoubtedly limited his opportunities to travel, discover new experiences, or dive deeper into existing passions.
But throughout the good and the bad, it’s that whole picture that made Keith one of those genuine people you sometimes meet. He never gave the impression of wanting more out of life than being able to provide for his family, live peacefully in a community, and enjoy the things in life that matter - which often involved an excellent cut of steak or salmon from his grill. This was not because of a lack of ambition; it was precisely because those things were his ambition.
Keith loved the front porch of their house on Northridge Rd. Historically porches served as a transitional space to protect the indoor sanctuary of the home from elements, while extending the ability to connect with nature and community.
Keith had their porch screened in and took great pride in its care, which was also reflected throughout the rest of his home. He spent countless hours, relaxing, reading, watching summer storms pass, sharing meals with friends and family, or chatting with passing neighbors. The spirit of the front porch really embodies who Keith was as a person. He was welcoming and friendly, but also wanted to protect those he cared about. He valued time with people over chasing extravagances that deviate his values. And more often than not, if you made it onto that front porch, you were invited into a warm and cozy interior that only furthered those same values.
Calling hours will be at Rutherford Funeral Home at 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio on April 14 from 2PM - 4PM and 6PM - 8PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on April 15, at 11:00 AM, Fr. Matthew Hoover celebrant. Interment will be at a later date.
Memorial donations can be sent to the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation, PO Box 09576, Columbus, Ohio 43209 or https://columbusfdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/nonprofit?nonprofit_id=1032
Keith was a member of the marching band from 1965 through 1969. He played Tenor Horn and Baritone in F-Row, H-Row, and M-Row.
