Rodney Eugene Kilduff

Rodney Eugene Kilduff, age 76 of Conway AR, was cleared for his final take off on Monday July 3, 2023. Born October 27, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland to Eugene Joseph Kilduff, Jr and Ardabelle Jean Gerhard Kilduff; he is preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Kilduff.

Choosing his destiny, he enlisted in 1964 so that he could join the Army and become a 1st Calvary Helicopter Pilot. He served one tour in Vietnam.

Returning from Vietnam, he attended a friend's birthday party thrown by said friend’s girlfriend, Lydia Josephine Taylor (Jo). With great patience he waited until Jo was single and then made his move. Rodney and Jo married July 5th, 1969 and were about to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary when he was given clearance to depart.

Rodney is survived by his wife Jo; three daughters Octavia Baldridge (Gordon), Kristina Ward (Jeffery), and Katie Bagnole (Christopher); and three granddaughters. For a man who preferred quiet, order, and planning; he always adapted to the chaos and sudden change of plans his wife and daughters always threw at him with “Sigh . . . . Tell me what we are doing now.” He always went above and beyond for his family.

After the birth of his third daughter, he decided to buy his own toys. Rodney came home from Summer Camp on a motorcycle, saying this was the closest he could get to flying while on the ground. He was one of the founding members of Naturally Beemers BMW Motorcycle Club.

Serving in both the Regular Army and National Guard, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 29 years. He loved flying so much that after retiring from Axiom (25 years), he became an Air Evac Helicopter pilot for 4 years. When he fully retired, he volunteered at the Conway VA Clinic.

A modern day Renaissance Man, Rodney's many hobbies included painting, photography, archery, wood working, reading, model boat building, radio controlled boats and planes, cane making, and cane self-defense.

Husband, Father, Friend. “May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.”

“Sigh . . . . . We go now.”

A funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 925 Mitchell St, Conway, AR on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway.