Lee Gerard Bidwell
GLASGOW – Lee Gerard Bidwell, age 85, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Shanti Niketan Hospice Home. Lee was born on August 1, 1940. He lived a life defined by faith, service, family, and laughter.
Lee proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Machinist’s Mate Third Class. After his service, he continued to live a life grounded in dedication and integrity. Throughout his career, Lee worked at Graves Gilbert Clinic and Howard Clinic and served as Administrator of the Metcalfe County Nursing Home, where he retired after many years of faithful service to the community.
A devoted member of the Catholic Church, Lee served 44 years as a Permanent Deacon at St. Helen Catholic Church and was deeply committed to his faith and to serving others.
Lee shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Frances “Fran” Bidwell. Together, they built a strong and loving family that remains his greatest legacy.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Bidwell; his four sons, Greg (Susan) Bidwell, Tony (Felicitas) Bidwell, Jeff (Deanna) Bidwell, and Scott (Coleen) Bidwell. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, Katrina (Dan), Jordyn (David), Chris (Mary), Matthew (Nadine), Micah (Edalyn), Garrett, Audrey, and Andrew. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Blake, Leo, Owen, Isabella, Ben, Kate, Lili, Kai, and Jace (with one more great-grandchild on the way).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Alfred and Barbara Elizabeth Holinde Bidwell, and his brother, Gene Bidwell.
Lee was beloved by family and friends for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He had a special love for the lake, where many cherished family memories were made. Lee found great joy in being on the water surrounded by those he loved.
His faith, laughter, and love for his family will live on in the many lives he touched. Lee will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 10th, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for family and from 4:00–8:00 p.m. for the public, with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 11th, from 8:00–10:30 a.m. at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helen’s Catholic Church. Military honors will be provided by Glasgow DAV Chapter #20
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shanti Niketan Hospice Home or St. Helen Catholic Church.
Lee and I worked together for several years at the Graves Gilbert Clinic. I was during this time that we developed a friendship that lasted for life
I can truly say that Lee was one of the most honorable men that i ever met. His word was good-bank on it.
He will be missed.
Ron Ford
PS-Lee always enjoyed a good joke
I met Jerry when he was that cute sailor serving with my to become husband of 60 years Al on the USS Epping Forest in the engine room. Jerry always had a twinkle in his eye. He and Al spent time at my house helping my mother who was at the time a single mom. Jerry went home on leave and came back and told us he had gotten married to the love of his life Frannie. In 1976 on a month long road trip my family visited Jerry and Fran and enjoyed their southern hospitality. I will always remember visiting “the caves”. After Al died in 2024, Jerry called and we had a good time remembering when we were all young. My condolences to Fran and all the family. Rest in Peace cute sailor friend of my youth.
I first met Jerry when he was that cute sailor serving with my to become husband in the engine room on the USS Epping Forest. Jerry always had a twinkle in his eye. I do remember that he went home on leave and when he return he told us he had married the love of his life – Frannie. We experienced Jerry and Fran’s southern hospitality in 1976 when Al and I with our two children visited them in Kentucky. Jerry called us every Christmas. After my husband Al died, Jerry called and we had a good time remembering our youth. My condolences to Fran and the whole family. I am sure Grandpa is going to be missed. Rest in Peace cute sailor.