| Gene C. Tidball, Jr. SP-4 MOS: 64B20 Served: February 6, 1968 to March 1969 Phone: 701-223-6763 Home 701-220-7130 Cell |
| Born: 1947 Died: 2011 State of last residence: North Dakota |
He was getting Old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For old Gene has passed away, And the world's a little poorer For a Soldier died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Someone who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small. It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier-- His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end? He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY." |
Gene C. Tidball Jr., 63, Bismarck, died
Aug. 3, 2011. A memorial service will
be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug.
11, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330
Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Burial will be
in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery,
Mandan.
There will be no visitation, as cremation
has taken place.
Gene was born Nov. 13, 1947, in
Bismarck, the son of Gene C. Sr. and
Doris (Keller) Tidball. He graduated
from Bismarck High School and went on
to enlist in the U.S. Army in August
1967. Gene served one year in Vietnam
and was honorably discharged in March
1969. Gene was married to Gail Garrity
and to this union, one daughter, Dawn,
was born.
Gene worked as an operating engineer
for Markwed Excavating Inc. and was
employed there at the time of his death.
He was a member of the Local 49ers,
VFW and long-time member of
Wrecking Crew Motorcycle Club. He
was also an award winning boxer, an
American Legion boxer, an NDRA bull
rider and a decorated veteran. He loved
hunting and fishing and spending time
with his family and friends.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Dawn
Garrity, Springfield, Mo.; his grandson,
Austin, Springfield, Mo.; his brothers,
Pat, Bismarck, and Terry, Fargo; his
sister, Kim, Mandan; two nephews,
John and Cody Tidball; and one niece,
Melissa Tidball.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, Gene and Doris; and two
brothers, John and Yancy.
We love you Gene, you will be greatly
missed.
Read more:
http://bismarcktribune.com/lifestyles/anno
uncements/obituaries/gene-tidball/article_
813fda38-c1fb-11e0-bded-001cc4c002
e0.html#ixzz1lKTT0HTz
Aug. 3, 2011. A memorial service will
be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug.
11, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330
Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Burial will be
in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery,
Mandan.
There will be no visitation, as cremation
has taken place.
Gene was born Nov. 13, 1947, in
Bismarck, the son of Gene C. Sr. and
Doris (Keller) Tidball. He graduated
from Bismarck High School and went on
to enlist in the U.S. Army in August
1967. Gene served one year in Vietnam
and was honorably discharged in March
1969. Gene was married to Gail Garrity
and to this union, one daughter, Dawn,
was born.
Gene worked as an operating engineer
for Markwed Excavating Inc. and was
employed there at the time of his death.
He was a member of the Local 49ers,
VFW and long-time member of
Wrecking Crew Motorcycle Club. He
was also an award winning boxer, an
American Legion boxer, an NDRA bull
rider and a decorated veteran. He loved
hunting and fishing and spending time
with his family and friends.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Dawn
Garrity, Springfield, Mo.; his grandson,
Austin, Springfield, Mo.; his brothers,
Pat, Bismarck, and Terry, Fargo; his
sister, Kim, Mandan; two nephews,
John and Cody Tidball; and one niece,
Melissa Tidball.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, Gene and Doris; and two
brothers, John and Yancy.
We love you Gene, you will be greatly
missed.
Read more:
http://bismarcktribune.com/lifestyles/anno
uncements/obituaries/gene-tidball/article_
813fda38-c1fb-11e0-bded-001cc4c002
e0.html#ixzz1lKTT0HTz
| If you wish to send a card here is the family address, Address: 700 South 12th St. # 263 Bizmark, N.D. 58504 |