Dr. Claude Earl “Skip” Tidwell, Jr., 75, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022.

He was born May 9, 1947, in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Claude Earl Tidwell, Sr. and Mary (Day) Nelson.

On February 26, 1971, he married Barbara Ann Semon in Lawrence, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include mother, Mary Nelson, Topeka; four daughters, Kimberli (Bradley) Evans, Mena, AR; Kellee (James) Roberts, Augusta, KS; Kassandra (Clayton) Helvy, Pawnee, OK; and Kara (Mike) Eisenhut, Topeka; 16 grandchildren, Ashleigh, Spencer, Austin, Grant, Wyatt, Mason, Darienne, Xander, Camron, Makaila, Jessica, Arianna, Audree, Shelby, Axton, and Archer; five great-granddaughters; and siblings, Mick McDonald (Nancy), Steve McDonald, Claudia Mauck, Duane Tidwell, Emmett Tidwell, Sr., and Dale Lynn Tidwell.

He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Alan, father, Claude, Sr., step-mother, Sarah, and two step-brothers, Joe and Randy.

He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He received his Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Kansas.

Skip was a special education teacher for USD 501 for 25 years helping troubled youth complete their education and turn their lives around.

Skip was an avid softball fan serving as president, coach, board member, and tournament director for Shawnee County Girls Softball Association. During his time as tournament director, he was able to assist with raising enough funds to build the fourth diamond and new building for offices and concession.

He was an avid golfer, bowler, and sports fan, always cheering for KU, Chiefs, or Royals. He enjoyed spending time watching his many grandchildren compete in sports.

Funeral services will be 11am Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home Mid-Town Chapel. A visitation will be 6-8pm Friday, June 17, 2022 at the funeral home.

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