Wingate – Jack B. Lidester, age 80, a well known horseman, of Wingate, died 8:01 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2013 in St. Elizabeth Central Hospital, Lafayette. He had been in failing health the past several years. He was born January 22, 1933 in Montgomery County, son of the late Archie and Juanita Crowder Lidester. He married Donna Boswell, June 4, 1983 in Wingate and she survives.
Jack graduated from Wingate High School and served with the U.S. Army. Jack spent his life with horses. He was an accomplished breeder, competitor, judge and horse trainer. His total passion was horses. Jack knew horses inside and out. He was involved in NRHA open events from coast to coast and internationally. He was a breeder of top reining horses. He trained and showed all breeds successfully in reining, cutting, western pleasure, working and many other disciplines. Jack has judged the American Livestock Show, NRHA Reining Classic, Canadian Pleasure Futurities, reining maturities, as well as the NRHA reining events at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Jack was a tough instructor, but he made winners out of his many students over many years.
Surviving along with his wife Donna. A son: Mike (Susan) Lidester of Fankfort, IN, three daughters: Linda Earl of Waynetown, Cindy Lidester of Carmel, Launa (Greg) Tyra of Newtown. Stepson, Blake Hershberger of Crawfordsville, step-daughter, Michelle (Jeff) Moore of Crawfordsville. Eleven grandchildren: Michael, Heather, Gabe, Lindsey , Kobe, Haleigh, Chandler, Connor, Ann, Zack, Abby. 7 great-grandchildren: Samantha, Elizabeth, Rose, Addy, Isis, Peyton, Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Bill, Dick and Larry Lidester.
His family will receive guests 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate with Gary Eason, Jack's best friend and fellow horseman leading the service. Jack's family encourages everyone to dress in their Western attire. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Wingate, where Jack will be taken by a team of horses. Military graveside rites by American Legion Post 72 and Bowman VFW of Crawfordsville. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to leave a condolence or share a memory.