Ira D. Tidwell

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Ira D. Tidwell, 87, of Temple, Texas, passed away on January 4, 2024.

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Services to honor and celebrate Ira's life will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 1:30pm at Branford Dawson Funeral Home located at 718 South 7th Street, Temple, Texas. The service will be officiated by Pastor Robert Beamon. Following the service, a repass will be held at New Day Fellowship Church located at 510 E Avenue J, Temple, TX 76504.

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Ira D. Tidwell was born October 30, 1936 to Carl and Sylvester (Sylvia) Evans-Tidwell in Prescott, Arkansas. He was an active member of New Day Fellowship Church in Temple, TX. He met the love of his life, Minnie Pearl Baggett, at Coy Martin's Drive-Inn in Temple, Texas. He showed up every day, ordered a cup of water and a toothpick and told her he was going to marry her. They married on August 16, 1957, and were married for 58 years. They raised 7 children of their own and 2 grandchildren.

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He was a nurse for 52 years at Santa Fe and Scott & White Hospitals where he met long-time friend, Randolph Minor, that he loved like a brother. After retiring, he loved visiting nursing homes and praying with residents along with Randolph. He also enjoyed playing checkers, relaxing and socializing with friends at the Friendship House and nursing home. He enjoyed talking to his brother Odell and niece Emma Jean frequently. He enjoyed hearing his niece Lydia sing to him.

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He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Minnie Pearl Baggett-Tidwell, daughter Ramona Patterson, son Rodney Coleman Sr., great-granddaughter Christen Coleman. Brothers: John and Basel Tidwell. Sisters: Gloria Tidwell and Mae Tidwell.

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Ira loved watching sports and rooted for any football team that was playing ‘against’ the Dallas Cowboys. He was very instrumental in teaching his great-grandchildren how to walk. He would hold them up with his belt, and lead them around the room while they took their first steps. He was a wonderful, hard-working father and loving husband and brother. He enjoyed watching his great-great granddaughter Tsanai run around his room, calling her the most adorable thing in the world. He was so very proud of his entire family.

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He leaves to cherish and honor his memories one son, Carl Tidwell of Temple, Texas; daughters, Ira Jean Thomas of Temple, Texas, Doris Coleman and Debbra Coleman of Humble, Texas; Evelyn Coleman of Houston, Texas, brother Odell Tidwell of Rockford, Illinois; Katherlean Tidwell of Prescott, Arkansas.

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Ira had seven children: Doris Coleman, Debbra Coleman, Evelyn Coleman, Rodney Coleman Sr., Ira Jean Thomas (Howard Sr.), Carl Tidwell (Stacy), Ramona Patterson.

 

Twelve grandchildren: Steven Henderson (Kim), Roderick Henderson, ReShea Thomas, Tatisha Dunham (Gregory), Howard Thomas Jr. (Constance), Colby Thomas, LeeToya Crews (Curtis), Rodney Coleman II, Alvin Pennon, Steven Logan, Latricia Baker, Carl Patterson (Heather).

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25 Great grandchildren:  Beau D. Henderson, Paris Henderson, Demi Henderson, Heaven Henderson, Steven Henderson II, Raniya Coleman, Rodney Coleman III, Sierra Walker, Madison Walker, Diamond Thomas, Ira Kudzai Thomas, Elijah Thomas, DenKia Johnson, Gregory Dunham, Gregory Dunham III, Alec Dunham, Destyne Hubbard, Curtis Crews III, Journey Crews, Damon Bell, Harmony Thomas, Keandre Jones, Samyria Jones, Carlton Baker Jr., Seersha Ramona Patterson and a host of great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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Special Thanks To:

Daughter Ira Jean and husband Howard for the day-to-day caregiving and comfort they provided for him and tending to his everyday need. You are the best!

Daughters, Debbra and Doris, for their wisdom and planning ahead for a worry-free departure. He was thankful and it brought him a lot of comfort to know that it was taken care of.

Pastor Robert Beamon, Lela Butler, Bobbie Kettles and New Day Fellowship for always blessing and being supportive to the family. We love you dearly.

Branford Dawson Funeral Home for rendering excellent and superior service to our family. You are greatly appreciated.

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While Ira will be deeply missed by his loved ones and friends, we stand on the promise in 2 Corinthians 5:8, to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. We know we will see you again.