Alan Richard Wideman was born June 3, 1945, in Waverly, Iowa to Richard and Mary Wideman. He was born while his Dad was serving in World War II. He died February 9, 2022, at Worth County Convalescent Center, Grant City, Missouri.
Alan was raised in Waverly and Janesville, Iowa. He graduated from Janesville Iowa high school on May 17, 1963 and attended Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville, Missouri until he was drafted, January, 1968. He trained as a combat medic, graduating at the top of the class, and was sent for service with the US Army to Vietnam.
On October 3, 1968, as he was giving emergency aid to wounded soldiers, he tripped a wire that caused a homemade bomb to explode injuring several more soldiers. Although injured himself, he gave medical aid to those wounded before being transported to Kyoto, Japan for three months to receive treatment for his wounds to both legs, leaving him unable to walk. He arrived home in time for Christmas that year.
Alan was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor as well as the Purple Heart for his actions that day. He served with honor, and love of country.
Alan married Twila Rose Heaton, on January 20, 1983, in Albany, Missouri. With his marriage, he became Dad to Debra, Dennis, Lonnie, and Mary, and later became a Grandpa to Matthew, Alex, Megan, Tanner, Reed, Kelly, Garrett, Gwen, Jason and Jacob.
He was preceded in death by his wife Twila, 36 years to the day; his parents, Mary and Richard Wideman; a brother Joel and daughter Debra Jenkins.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Dave) Mattheis and her family, Matthew, Alex and Megan; sons, Lonnie Walker; and his family, Tanner, Reed and Kelly; Dennis (Jerrye) Walker; and his family, Garrett and Gwen; Debra’s husband, Steve and family, Jason and Jacob; brothers: Kevin (Diane) Wideman; Mike (Julia) Wideman; and Leyton (Laura) Wideman; sisters, Lisa (David) Showers and Lori (David) Shuck; sister-in-law, Tori Wideman; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was a man who many admired for his honesty, integrity, patriotism, and love of family. He always did the right thing even if it meant self sacrifice. He was an accomplished musician, mechanic and enjoyed hobbies of furniture making, trains (he got that love from his grandpa) and paleontology as well as history.
Celebration of Life was 1:00 PM Saturday, February 12, at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial with Military Rites was in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. Memorial Contributions: Grant City VFW #3123 in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402.
www.robersonpolleychapel.com
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