KIDD, KENNETH MALCOLM (1941~2005) Kenneth Malcolm "Mack" Kidd, Justice, Court of Appeals, Third District of Texas, was born January 18, 1941, in Enid, Oklahoma. He graduated Bellaire High School in Houston where he excelled in debate. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas and continued to be a passionate fan of Longhorn athletics and the University of Texas Law School.

Judge Kidd began his successful law career with Cofer, Cofer and Hearne, followed by Garey, Colbert and Kidd. He next was associated with Kidd, Doggett and Jacks. Before joining the court, he founded the firm then known as Kidd, Whitehurst, Harkness, and Watson. In 1990 Judge Kidd was elected to the Court of Appeals, Third District of Texas, where he served for the last fourteen years and never was opposed for reelection.

Judge Kidd was an incredible teacher of young lawyers on and off the Court. He attracted talented colleagues who went on to become successful lawyers in their own right, thanks to his mentoring and his example. He set the standard for practicing law and for public service. Many of his partners developed into eminent leaders, including a congressman and Supreme Court justice, a mayor, a president of the State Bar, two presidents of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and two chairs of the Travis County Democratic Party.

Judge Kidd bonded with clients as most lawyers never could and this allowed him to be highly effective in the courtroom. Known for his great competitive spirit, he was a passionate advocate for the American jury system and a fierce defender of the popular election of judges. Judge Kidd served as President of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Chair of the Travis County Democratic Party, President of the Association of Retarded Citizens of Austin, Texas Bar Foundation Fellow and frequent continuing legal education lecturer. He was an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates where he continued his mentoring of young lawyers. He was deeply concerned about protecting the environment and making this world a better place for all of us.

Judge Kidd is survived by his wife Charlotte, the love of his life, and three children: Amy Nason and husband Ron, Russell (Toby) Roby, and Kevin Kidd; brother Robert Craig Kidd and mother Mary Jean Kidd; and grandchildren Laura and Katherine Biggers, Charles and Catherine Nason.

Information taken from obituary, Austin American-Statesman, January 5, 2005.