J. Lynn Kidd

J. Lynn Kidd, 80, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born on May 15, 1945, in Maryville, TN, the son of Horace Edwin and Margaret Louise (Denton) Kidd.

A 1963 graduate of Central High School in Davenport, Lynn went on to study engineering at St. Ambrose College. In 1966, he joined the Marine Corp

Reserves where he earned the rank of Sergeant E-5 and had the honor to represent the Marine Corp in sharpshooting competitions.

On December 29, 1966, Lynn was united in marriage to Rebecca Brooke in Davenport, IA. They shared 58 wonderful years together. Lynn was always ready to tell friends the latest “Becky” story.

He devoted his professional life to the newspaper industry, serving communities across the Midwest, including Keokuk, IA; Quincy, IL; Springfield, IL; West Frankfurt, IL; Marion, IL; and finally Sedalia, MO, where he retired as publisher of the Sedalia Democrat in 2015.

Lynn was a man of many interests. He enjoyed fishing, upland hunting, cooking, and spending time on home improvement projects, encouraging the love of these interests in his children. He took pride in maintaining his yard and, in recent years, enjoyed researching topics and recipes online, as well as hosting dinner for friends, always looking for new wines and foods to try. He loved his Vizsla dogs, at one point even carrying a picture of his favorite vizsla, Kira. Even during their losing seasons, he remained a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca; two children, Margaret “Maggie” Kidd (Scott Taylor) and Erik Kidd (Jennifer Kidd); and two cherished grandchildren, Tanner Kidd and Elora Kidd.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life reception will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Heckart Family Center, 915 S. Ohio Ave., Sedalia.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lynn’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.