Christopher Herbert Kidder, 44, of Gallery Drive, Spring Lake, NC died suddenly on June 26, 2011. 

He was born in Claremont, NH on November 8, 1966, the son of the late David Lewis Kidder and Sandra and Scott Washburn.  He was raised in Ascutney, VT where he attended elementary school.

Chris was a 1985 graduate of Stevens High School in Claremont.  Upon his graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force.  He served his county with pride and retired after twenty-one years of service as a Master Sergeant.  He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, The Air Force Commendation Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with 1 oak leaf cluster, the AF Outstanding Unit Award and the AF Organizational Excellence Award with 1 oak leaf cluster, the AF Good Conduct Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 service star, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, The AF Overseas Ribbon Short, the AF Overseas Ribbon Long, the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, the AF Longevity Service with 4 oak leaf clusters, the USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster, and the AF Training Ribbon.

Thereafter, he moved to Anderson Creek in Spring Lake, NC.  His backyard was manicured like a beautiful golf course which is where he could usually be found.  He also enjoyed the coast of Maine and traveling to battlefields up and down the East coast.  He loved all New England, sports teams and spending time with his family.

Members of his surviving family include his mother, Sandra Washburn and her husband, Scott of Charlestown; a sister, Diane M Carroll of Claremont and a brother, Tony Kidder and his wife, Lori of Sunapee; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at two O’Clock in the afternoon, with Rev. Father Shawn M. Therrien, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church, officiating.

 Full military honors will follow.

Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 2pm prior to the service.