Rodney Desmond Kidd

Born in Georgetown, Texas October 28, 1927 to Rodney “Captain” Kidd and Von Lunsford Kidd. He was soon joined by three brothers: Byron, Jack and Walter.

Desmond attended Stephen F. Austin High School lettering four years in football and track. His crowning moment was winning the 1945 State Championship in the 440-yard dash. His time of 50.04 was the fastest for any high school athlete in the nation. Such an achievement earned him recognition and appearance in Look Magazine’s All American Track Edition. That same year he enrolled at The University of Texas on a full track scholarship. Desmond lettered all 4 years in track as “the first leg” of the undefeated Distance Medley Relay Team.

At the start of the Korean War in June 1950, Desmond joined the Naval Air Corp and received his flight wings in December 1951. He was commissioned as a Naval Aviator (Navy Fighter Pilot), serving with the Commander Air Force Atlantic Fleet, the Air-Sea Rescue for aircraft carriers operating in the Mediterranean Sea. He was assigned to Flight Squadron VF172 to fly the F2H2 Banshee; the first carrier-based jet powered night fighter flown by the Navy. Flying jets in the Navy was one of his greatest loves.

Desmond returned to Austin in 1955 and married Jayne Darsey, November 22, 1955 in the University Methodist Church. As his family began to grow with the birth of their daughter, Kelly, and later his two sons, Guy and Desmond Jr,. he then joined Aetna Life & Casualty.

Desmond enjoyed rapid success selling life insurance and soon began managing many client investment accounts located in Austin and the Medical Schools in Galveston and Houston. During his 50-year career in investment and insurance he mentored many individuals which led to successful careers throughout Texas. With his children in Austin schools Desmond served on the Austin School Board 1972-1976.

In 1981 Desmond purchased a Mooney 231 Turbo 222DK. The Mooney was not only his second love, but his ticket to fun. With Jayne as a copilot, they followed his beloved Longhorns all over the country and many flights to Port Aransas. Occasionally you heard Jayne yell, “Desmond, I'm never flying with you again!” Yet when the Mooney fired up, she was always in the right seat.

An ideal day for Desmond would be wading the flats of Port Aransas in his Shadow with a beer and a can of sardines. Wade fishing was his true passion.

Desmond was predeceased by his parents Von and Rodney “Captain” Kidd and brother Byron.

He is survived by his wife Jayne, daughter Kelly (Brad), and sons Guy and Desmond, Jr. (Jennifer) and grandson Kai. He is also survived by his two brothers Jack and Walter and the entire Kidd family comprised of many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank Wilma Reed, Annie Del Torre and Michellei Vaz for their comfort and care.

“WE ARE A FAMILY TEAM!”

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78705.

Memorial contributions may be sent to University Interscholastic League (UIL), Big Brother Big Sisters of America or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Kidd family.