Timothy Andrew Giddens

Timothy A. Giddens , 55, of Goshen, passed away peacefully Friday, January 25, 2013, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. Tim was born March 15, 1957 in Franklin, to Howard R. and Wanda J. Giddens. Tim spent most of his youth in Taipei, Taiwan where his father worked for Eli Lilly. He graduated in 1975 from Columbus North High School and then toured the U.S. with his two close friends to consider his next steps. He subsequently graduated from Purdue University in 1980 with a degree in hotel and restaurant management and began his career with Hyatt Hotels. Tim married Lydia Zook in 1980 and spent the next 10 years living in 7 cities from Chicago, to Los Angeles, to Dallas to name a few, as he advanced through nine hotel management assignments with Hyatt. Daughter Jessica and son Christopher joined them along the way. In 1995 Tim joined HelmsBriscoe as an associate and the family settled in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a key contributor to the company's early growth and success, and rapidly advanced to the position of Regional Vice President. Along the way Tim was diagnosed with MS, but was able to stay ahead of it. Early on he enjoyed adding on to his collection of canes. As his business region grew he shunned the airways and the difficulties he had in the airports in favor of the highways, allowing him the opportunity to enjoy his love for driving cars. His drives from St. Louis to Omaha to Kansas City and other offices sites in a series of different vehicles (each one was the best ever) were a great diversion. In 2009, Tim retired from HelmsBriscoe and he and Lydia moved to Goshen to be near his mother and brother. The special hospitality of the Goshen community was a comfort to them both. Lydia passed away in 2010. Tim is survived by his daughter Jessica, husband Matt and grandson Damian; son Christopher; brother Steve, wife Sue, and son Kevin; brother Howard, wife Tucker, and children Troy and Maggie; and brother David, wife Lisa, and children Katheryn and Julia. Friends may call 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following at 3 p.m. Pastors Ed and Brenda Fritz of First United Methodist Church will officiate. Cremation will follow the service and burial will be at a later date at Violett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.