Jared Anthony McKiddy was born on September 1, 1982, in Arlington, Texas to parents, Steven and Kristin (Kristi) McKiddy. On September 12, 2020, at the age of 39, Jared passed, having returned home to his beloved state of Texas just 3 months prior.
Jared was the second of 4 brothers. He grew up in Arlington and graduated from James Martin High School in 2001. Following high school, Jared joined the Navy and served his country proudly and faithfully from 2002-2012. Upon exiting the Navy, Jared made good use of his GI Bill achieving a degree in business. He and his wife, Lachelle, (also a veteran) settled in Jacksonville, Florida where Jared continued to serve the government on the civilian side at the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. Many pilots will depend on parachutes and safety gear packed and signed by Jared A. McKiddy. Jared and Lachelle had two children, Cole Anthony McKiddy and Courtney Elizabeth McKiddy. Jared was an A #1 Daddy, and though Jared and Lachelle's marriage didn't last, their friendship did. They beautifully co-parented Cole and Courtney. Jared was no longer in Texas, however, Texas was still in Jared. He loved to watch ALL sports and his entire wardrobe consisted of Jerseys from his Texas teams: Rangers, Cowboys, Mavericks and his favorite, the Texas Longhorns.
Jared is preceded in death by his uncle, D. Kevin Thompson; and maternal grandfather, Daniel B. Thompson.
Jared is survived by his son, Cole McKiddy; daughter, Courtney McKiddy; mother, Kristin Babek; step-father, Danny Babek; father, Steven McKiddy; step-mother, Deavin McKiddy; brothers, Jason McKiddy and wife, Christy, Cameron Babek and wife Ornella and Austin Babek; step-sister, Alicia Willingham-Levitz; step-brother, Jody Willingham; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Geraldine McKiddy; maternal grandmother, Joan Watson; nephew, C. Layne McKiddy; and niece, Ella Kate McKiddy.