Craig "Judson" Bidle

With a heavy heart we announce the death of Craig “Judson” Bidle. (May 6, 1982 - July 6, 2023) He was taken from us too soon, at the young age of 41. For those unaware, Jud faced a truly tenacious degenerative disease that he contracted in May, 2020, as a direct result of COVID-19, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Jud was not the first in the US but, according to his medical team, was the first person in Ohio to contract GBS directly attributable to COVID, leading to an arduous 3-year battle.

Jud is survived by his Mother and Step-Father (Suzanne Glaab-Varney & Richard A. Varney), his Father (Douglas C. Bidle), his sister and her children, and his Nephew (Anthony Deglman). Jud’s big heart and alluring personality made him beloved by friends and family alike.

Enlisting in the Army after 9/11, Jud wore his heart on his sleeve and was a true patriot, exemplifying the traits of a good soldier, leader, and brother during his 12 years of service.

Jud’s moral fiber led him to strive to help others, revolutionizing the manner of getting lifesaving blood to wounded soldiers in Afghanistan and the Forward Surgical Teams (FST), utilizing his “walking blood bank” which is now standard protocol and the gold standard for all FSTs. Jud exemplified what it meant to be an American. Due to his unwavering duty to service Jud was also a life member of American Legion, VFW, and the Society of the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1).

Services will be held Wednesday, Aug 2nd at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N Columbus Street, Lancaster, OH at 10:30am, Military Honors with an inurnment to follow the service at Maple Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd NE (US 22). Due to the hot weather, it is requested attendees dress informally. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jud’s name to the Fairfield Area Humane Society, 1721 Granville Pike Lancaster, OH; or a Veteran’s organization of individual choice. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com