MADISON, Ind. (WDRB) -- The City of Madison is continuing to carry out the legacy of former city fabricator, Dave Kidwell. 

Kidwell, 73, worked for the city for decades. His most recent projects in the garage included hand-crafting holiday and seasonal displays for the community to enjoy. He created hearts for Valentine's Day, shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day, flowers for spring, and several different figurines for Halloween and Christmas. 

"After I'm gone, they'll still be here," Kidwell said to WDRB News in January 2023. "And that means a lot to me: being a part of the heritage of Madison."

Unexpectedly, Kidwell lost his life in a motorcycle crash in June 2023. Despite missing a dear friend, those at the garage are making sure Kidwell's passion for creating these displays continues. 

Dave Kidwell, Madison, Indiana

Former city fabricator in Madison, Indiana, Dave Kidwell, lost his life in June 2023. This image is pulled from an interview Kidwell did with WDRB News in Jan. 2023 about his work in the city garage. (WDRB image from Jan. 2023) 

"Dave was the type of guy, if you came up to him and needed help with something, he'd quit what he was doing and he'd stop and help you," said Billy Applegate, who worked with Kidwell in the city garage. 

A new hire, Lionel Smith, is now taking over Kidwell's role to make more of these seasonal pieces in the shop. Although Smith never met Kidwell, he said he can feel the impact left in the garage. 

"The guys still, you can tell, this is a family environment around here," he said. "Dave meant a lot to these guys, and just the way he perfected his work tells you about the guy right there a lot -- like the details and everything he did was amazing."

Smith said he's just trying to keep up with the work Kidwell accomplished.

"One thing I learned from him every day is how great he was at designing," said Smith. 

Lionel Smith works in Madison City Garage

Lionel Smith works on a Valentine's heart creation for the city in Madison's garage. (WDRB image from March 2024) 

Smith, a Madison native, started this role less than one year ago in September, just a few months after Kidwell's passing. He said so far, he's added to the collection of shamrocks and Valentine's hearts, as well as create four-leaf clovers. But the dozens of flowers that will be out this spring -- were all created by Kidwell.

"Dave's going to be with us always," said Applegate. 

Thursday, Smith and Applegate started the process of putting these flowers in the landscaping around downtown Madison. Each one, another memory of Kidwell.

"It's a family. I mean, at work we're a family, our community is a family. Everybody knows everybody," said Applegate.

Applegate said all the flowers should be "planted" by next week for community members and tourists to enjoy all spring.

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