Edward H. "Lids" Lidderdale, Jr.,

age 79, of Magnolia, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Born on July 10, 1946, in Canton, he was the beloved son of the late Edward and Frances (Brunoni) Lidderdale, Sr.

He was raised in Waynesburg, Ohio, and after graduating from Sandy Valley High School in 1964 he briefly lived in California before returning home. Ed worked at Republic Steel until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Following his service, he worked at the Post Office while pursuing his Education degree at Kent State University. A proud graduate of Kent State, Ed went on to dedicate his career to his alma mater—retiring as a cherished teacher and coach, though his impact stretched far beyond academics and athletics.

Ed "Lids" Lidderdale was more than just a coach—he was the heart of the Sandy Valley community. Over an extraordinary 52-year coaching career in track and cross-country, he guided 74 state qualifiers, 32 state placers, and four state champions. His leadership earned him the prestigious title of Ohio Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2004, and he played a central role in leading the 1995 boys track team to a state runner-up finish.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Ed was inducted into the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCCC) Hall of Fame in 2015. His teams secured 15 Conference Championships, three District titles, one Regional Championship, and produced numerous All-Ohio athletes—four of whom became individual State Champions, including record-setting performances.

Ed retired from full-time teaching and coaching in 2004, but his passion for young people never waned. He went on to substitute teach for another 20 years, continuing to inspire students with the same dedication, humor, and emphasis on respect that marked his career.

Beyond victories, Ed's legacy was deeply rooted in service: as vice president and president of the Stark County and East District Coaches Associations, and later statewide, he championed initiatives like the introduction of wheelchair events at the State Championship Track & Field Meet, forging greater inclusion in Ohio's high school sports.

Colleagues and athletes alike remember Ed for his warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication—"he cared the same for every single student-athlete under his watch," said Division II 1600-meter State Champion Mike Coates. Sandy Valley's annual track meet now bears his name—the Sandy Valley Lidderdale Invitational—a testament to his enduring influence.

Through it all, Ed remained humble and committed—often the first to arrive and the last to leave practice or meets, even continuing to coach middle school athletes years after retiring from full-time teaching.

Preceded in death by his wife, Linda Lidderdale (2017), with whom he shared 44 years of marriage, he is survived by his daughters, Angela Lidderdale (Javier Chacon Rivas) and Amanda (Juan Gonzalez Juarez) Gonzalez-Lidderdale; sisters Fran (Mike) Lechler and Deborah (Kermit) James; brothers Ron (Corrine) Lidderdale and Jack (Brenda) Lidderdale; and grandchildren Elias, Elena, and Silvio.

Ed was a committed and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. The love and encouragement he showed to his own family overflowed into the classroom, the cross country course, the track, and onto the street. He was a stranger to no one—encouraging not only his own athletes but all the athletes on the field of competition. His daughters' friends knew him as a kind and encouraging man who would always stop to chat with them, even years after they had grown up.

Ed is remembered for his bucket hats, Jeep Cherokees, his big smile, bear hugs, and his guiding motto of Respect. Every student who passed through a classroom where Ed taught heard him share its importance:

"Repeat, repeat and repeat. Does not make a difference how many times I sub, you are always going to find my name and the concept of Respect on the board. Treat others the way you want to be treated and I promise you good things can and will happen for you. But, and there's always a but… you and I both know sometimes that is difficult to do because of the way some people act. It is still a good thing for you to do simply because it is a reflection of your character and you are going to have your character for your entire life. Might as well make it a good one."

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church, located on Fohl Road in Canton Township. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church hall until 10:00 p.m.

Coach Lidderdale always believed in putting "family first." In that spirit, a Givebutter account is set up to directly support Coach Lidderdale's immediate family. Additionally, the Sandy Valley Athletic Booster Club will work to raise awareness of his impact on Sandy Valley and gather additional funds to assist with their immediate needs. All proceeds will first aid his immediate family, and any extra funds will be used to support the broader Sandy Valley community—his greater family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's memory may be made at https://givebutter.com/Lids.

Condolences may be shared at www.gordonfuneralhomes.com. Gordon Funeral Home, (330) 866-9425 .