Desmond Devitt

1933 - 2025

Desmond Richard "Des" Devitt, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Lakeway, Texas.

Born on October 9, 1933, in England, Des grew up in London and was educated at Stonyhurst College. In the 1950s, he moved to the United States and began a distinguished career with the Lipton Tea Company. As a master tea blender, Des was responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of tea blends, selecting from the finest leaves worldwide and contributing to the development of innovative recipes that met evolving consumer tastes.

On June 13, 1959, Des married Gail Ann Walker in Streator, Illinois. In 1963, they relocated to Dickinson, Texas, where they raised three children and built a warm family home. Des had a wide range of interests including winemaking, gardening, photography, boating, water skiing, and mechanical tinkering. Known for his ingenuity, Des often crafted custom tools to complete various projects.

In retirement, Des and Gail settled in Bastrop, Texas in 2006. There, Des became active in local theater and served as a lector and choir member at Ascension Catholic Church. A devout Catholic, Des was a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus.

Des was preceded in death by his spouse of 59 years; parents Desmond and Frances Devitt; brother Nial Devitt; and granddaughter Laura Lowery. He is survived by daughters Dana Sherman (Cris) and Kim Devitt (Kana); son Ed Devitt (Lisa); grandsons Paul and Brad (Kay) Lowery, Scott Devitt, Ben (Kendal), Bobby and Brad Bush; great-granddaughter Rowan Lowery; sister-in-law Margaret Devitt; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at Ascension Catholic Church in Bastrop, Texas on July 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Brookdale Assisted Living, Home Health of Austin, Heart to Heart Hospice, and Letty Lopez for their compassionate care.