Winfred Lavern Tidwell, the second child of Harry and Verlean Tidwell, was born in Independence, Kansas. He earned a B.A. from Pittsburg State University and an M.A. from Emporia State University. In 1961, he began his teaching career in Topeka, Kansas, at Monroe Elementary School, where he served as half-time teacher and half- time principal. He went on to similar positions at Van Buren Elementary School and Highland Park Elementary School, where he served as assistant principal. By 1969, when he became principal of Monroe Elementary School, he was only the third African American to serve in that capacity in a racially integrated elementary school in Topeka.

Winfred also served as President of the Topeka Elementary Principals Association. He was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Topeka Administrators’ Association. At his death in 1993, he left behind four children: Stuart, Dewi, Winston, and Kari. The Topeka Parks and Recreation continues to commemorate his life and dedication to education by sponsoring the Winfred Tidwell Memorial Golf Tournament, held annually in early May.