Daniel C. Stidham

Daniel (Dan) Stidham of Gallipolis, Ohio, began his Continuation Day on Saturday, October 31, 2026. His journey on earth was completed. He was welcomed in Heaven to continue his eternal path. Born Jan 2, 1933 in Soldier, KY, Daniel was the oldest son of the late Josephine and Delmar Stidham. His mother and father-in-law also preceded him in death, Elma and Morton Caldwell, whom he credits for being a major inspiration in his life. Daniel was a devoted husband to Phyllis Stidham for 63½ years, prior to her death March 16, 2015. Dan was the ultimate role model for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Cheshire Baptist Church where he enjoyed his church family. Despite declining health, he was the steadiest force anyone could ask for and was still very active in all aspects of life. Dan was an avid custom knife-maker and dealer of Case knives. Numerous friends and family were recipients of his custom knives, which are sacred treasures to many. Dan enjoyed watching sports, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as watching his Kentucky Wildcats basketball and Ohio State football.

Dan, a retired steelworker from Kaiser Aluminum/Ravenswood, served as Union President of USWA Local 5668 during the Ravenswood lockout. Approximately 1,700 workers were locked out for 18 months after the company failed to address health and safety concerns. Their story is chronicled in the book Ravenswood.

Dan is survived by his children, Connie (Chuck) Bradbury, Becky (Kenny) Brown, Joe (Sheila) Stidham, Jan (Bill) Moffat, and Carol (Santos Villarreal, deceased) Hudson. Additionally, Dan is survived by his grandchildren: Kari Brown, Mandy (Mike) Miller, Craig (Jeni) Sanders, Jill Sanders, Nick Stidham, Ryan Stidham and Jamie (Chris) Smith. Dan was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren: Alexis Polley, Kenya Peck, Kyla and Corey Miller, Case and Olivia Stidham, Alli, Kaylee and Ariana Stidham, Sophia, Daniel Alexander and JC Sanders, Gabby Gibson, Wilson, Nora and Henry Smith and 2 great-great grandchildren, Scarlet and Brixton Archer Stidham.

In addition, Dan is survived by his sister Hilda (Richard) Frebis of Ripley, Ohio. He was preceded in death by brothers Jim, Roger, Deward, and Larry Stidham, and sisters Colleen Taylor, Sandy Clifton, Sharon Vobruba.

He leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including more than twenty siblings and in-laws from both sides of his family. His family bonds extended across generations, including special relationships with sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews he came to know later in life. All are remembered as an important part of his family who helped shape his life’s journey.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Willis Funeral Home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Ron McClung and Pastor Craig Sanders officiating. Burial will be at the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Kenny Brown, Corey Miller, Craig Sanders, Nick Stidham, Case Stidham, Wilson Smith, and Randy Crews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cheshire Baptist Church Food Pantry, 8057 State Route 7 North, Cheshire, Ohio 45620.