Jason Gabriel Tidwell was born in Tyler on June 10, 1976, and died at his home in Wimberley, Texas, on January 8, 2024. He graduated from Canton High School, class of 1995, and has had family in Canton, Martins Mill and throughout Van Zandt County since the 1860s.

Jason was fun, funny, loud, strong, opinionated, intelligent, loyal and big-hearted. Some of his friends, teammates and classmates knew him as ‘Tiddy!’ Many knew him as a friend. The lucky ones knew him as son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew and cousin. If Jason Tidwell loved you, you knew it.

Jason was close to his family. He lived with his parents in Wimberley and spent many afternoons relaxing on the porch after work with his Dad, and dog, ‘Waylon,’ grilling ribs and brisket on the weekends for the family, or just listening to classic country, classic rock, and Texas country. He often visited his brother, Jeremy, his sister Jodi, and their families watching football, seeing live music, or enjoying the day. He was a good uncle who enjoyed “pestering” his nephews and nieces and loved them fiercely. He drove from his home in the Hill Country to Canton several times a year for family holidays and spent many weekends visiting with cousins and friends, “playing DJ,” and telling stories.

Jason was someone who made friends easily and could talk about almost anything. Many times over the years, he would run into someone he knew and rekindle a friendship. He stayed close with those he bonded with, often texting, calling, and visiting, including high school friends, neighbors, and co-workers, many of whom still call him a brother.

Jason was passionate about football and played for the Canton Eagles in junior high and high school as an offensive and defensive lineman. He loved the Texas Aggies and attended many games while his brother was a student and as often as possible afterward. He spent every weekend during football season sharing opinions with friends and family and arguing with Longhorns fans, even his mother! He was banned from mentioning the Longhorns in the family text chats! He was also a Dallas Cowboys fan and would have plenty to say about their most recent loss. Jason was a hard worker and loyal employee and began ‘working’ summers for his dad’s framing company when he was four. He continued working in construction as a framer, carpenter, and Building Superintendent. He worked as an Asbestos Project Manager and Inspector for the last 10 years.

Jason was preceded in death and will be welcomed in Heaven by his grandparents, Ewell and Atrell Tidwell, Canton; F.A. and Sue Phillips, Canton; Uncles Cloyce Perkins, Canton, and Robert Pitts, Canton; Aunts Brenda Fuller, Austin, Terry Phillips, Austin; cousins Rhonda Scroggins, Flint; Royce Denton, Austin; and Jaime Denton, Austin.

He is survived by his mother and father, Jan and Ricky Tidwell; brother and sister-in-law, Jeremy and Melissa Tidwell and nephew Ray; sister and brotherin- law, Jodi and Michael Bourne; nephew A.J. Huddle and nieces Savannah Jane Huddle and Kaitlyn Carnahan.

He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, Uncle Jerry Lynn Tidwell and Aunt Theresa Tidwell, Uncle Ronnie Tidwell and Aunt Jackie Tidwell, Aunt Wyvone Pitts, Aunt Lavoise Perkins, and Uncle Mike Phillips; first cousins Randy Tidwell, Nicholas Tidwell, Kellie Fryman, Kristie Hogan, Jeff Pitts, Karen Williams, Kevin Perkins, Kyle Perkins, Kent Perkins, Sheryce Baylor, Christie Wilkerson and Tracey Fuller and numerous second cousins and close friends.

His family and friends are devastated at the loss of his big personality and giant hugs. The family plans a Celebration of Life on June 8 in Canton. Details can be found by contacting the family or through the Facebook Group, Jason Tidwell Memories.