Oklahoma veterans’ love story sparked by handwritten letters

This article was originally posted on KOCO News 5.

OKLAHOMA CITY —

In a time when there were no phone calls, text messages or tweets, handwritten letters between John and Jean Kidd meant everything.

“The anticipation of getting just one letter makes it all worthwhile,” John Kidd said.

John Kidd served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1962.

“The Navy brought me to Florida. Probably the best thing that ever happened to me in my whole life. That’s where I met her,” John Kidd said.

Jean Kidd was born in Jacksonville, Florida.

“So, altogether, I was there ’56 to ’59,” Jean Kidd said.

Her friends originally encouraged her to serve.

“‘You ought to go down there, sign up, make a few extra bucks,’ which that sounded good to a young 20-something,” Jean Kidd said.

The two met in October 1958 at a skating rink while John Kidd was in the Navy.

“Told one of my buddies, ‘Ya know, I would really like to meet her,'” he said. “(They) brought her over, introduced us. The rest is history, of course.”

John and Jean Kidd, who were married the next year, wrote letters to each other.

Three generations of the Kidds’ family — John Kidd, the couple’s son and their grandson — have all served in the U.S. Navy.

“I’m dedicated to her like I was dedicated to this country,” John Kidd said.

Jean and John Kidd have been happily married for over 60 years and now live in Oklahoma City.

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