Paul Wallace Tidwell, born October 20, 1936 in Binger, Oklahoma to Irva Jack and Gladys Pearl 9Willits) Tidwell, passed away on January 24, 2024 in Bakersfield, California at the age of 87. Paul’s family moved to Bakersfield, California, where he was raised and attended school. During a trip back to Oklahoma, he met the love of his life, Betty Louise Smith, whom he married on August 7, 1954. They moved to Bakersfield, where they raised two sons, Robert Wayne and Steven Paul Tidwell.

Paul had a deep passion for American history and a lifelong love of antique firearms. His exceptional skill in replicating black powder firearms, with meticulous attention to detail, earned him recognition as a true craftsman. He was a member of the American Mountain Man Association and was highly respected by his peers. 

Paul was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Betty Tidwell, his son, Steven Paul Tidwell, and his parents, Jack & Gladys Tidwell.  

He is survived by his son, Robert Tidwell and wife Angela of Bakersfield, CA; grandchildren, Shaun, Brittany, and  Mackenzie, as well as great grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Graveside Memorial Services: Murray Cemetery, Sunday, 2:00 PM, December 22, 2024, Binger, OK

Officiating: Rev. Dean Pack

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Binger, Oklahoma.  Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).