Desmond was born in 1931 to farmers Helmey and Ella Kittelson in Beresford, South Dakota. He attended a one-room school until high school, where he marched in the band. He attended Augutana College and the University of South Dakota. Desmond served in the Army from 1954-56 as a driver for a general in Germany. He worked for Sanger Harris Department Store where he met Linda Winget when both were in an executive training program. The two celebrated their 65th anniversary in January.
Desmond served as a manufacturer’s representative for a women’s clothing firm, traveling the southwest from 1967-89, then settled down as a men’s clothing salesman at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Antonio. He developed a list of loyal customers that included prominent doctors,businessmen, country music stars and pro athletes and coaches.
Desmond is survived by his wife Linda, his son Desmond Jr. (Karen) of St. Louis, granddaughters Kaitlin and Hailey of Dallas, brother Karol (Joan), Marcia (widow of brother Jack) and numerous nephews and nieces. He served as a Youth Leader, usher and choir member at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, and was a member of the San Antonio Rose Society and the NAWCC.
Our pallbearers will be John Menchaca, John Hennessy, Steve Deskin, Jeremy Gawf, Wesley Vasquez, Dale Wiese. Honorary pallbearers are Charlie Conner, Art Coats, Griff Wooten, Kenny Bilbro, Tom McGuire, and Bob Black.
Services will begin with a visitation at 9 a.m. and a service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at 130 p.m. at Mission Park South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Desmond would be honored by donations to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society.
