Robert Thomas Mcconathy

Robert Thomas McConathy went to heaven with his Lord Jesus on December 7th after an amazing fight with cancer. Bobby was born on February 23, 1958 in Parker County to Kenneth and MaryNell (Harris) McConathy. He is survived by both parents as well as his wife Julie (Shackelford), daughter Jennifer McConathy, son Robert Thomas McConathy II and wife Heather (Dossey), and grandchildren Robert III (Trey), Brookelyn, Jackson, Paisley, and Cooper. Brothers Joe McConathy and wife Gretchen, Steve McConathy and wife Shelly, Bryan McConathy and wife Kerry, brother-in-law Barney Shackelford and wife Mariney, sisters-in-law Erlene Hickey and husband James, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Bobby grew up in Weatherford, TX and worked for 17 years as a driver for Sand’s Propane while doing custom farming with his dad. At the age of 40 he graduated from Tarleton University with honors and a degree in Agricultural Education. He accepted an Ag teaching job in Lytle, TX and moved his family to south Texas. He taught Agriculture for 20 years before having to medically retire. Bobby loved his Lord, his family, his students, and everyone he met. He participated in stock shows in high school and encouraged his children and students to do the same. He was active in the Parker County Livestock Association while in Weatherford. Bobby became a director in the Atascosa County Stockshow and served as sheep and goat superintendent for several years. He assisted in starting the Ag Mechanics show. He also volunteered for the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo on the Special Sales Committee. Bobby served the Weatherford FFA chapter as president in high school. He taught the FFA Creed to all his students at Lytle and they learned parliamentary procedure by practice. He especially liked taking students to the annual Texas FFA Convention each year.
Bobby coached sports throughout his life. He went from coaching his brother’s Little League teams as soon as he was too old to play himself, to coaching his kids in basketball and baseball, to coaching Jr High football and basketball at Lytle. He played softball until he couldn’t find the time anymore. He became the “voice of the Lytle Pirates” and enjoyed many hours announcing baseball and football games. Bobby loved to eat and cook so he fed family, students, teachers, coaches, church families, and anyone who wanted to eat. Barbecue was his specialty, but he liked to try new things too. Every year he would have his classes make homemade ice cream and he would cook whatever his students brought for him to try.
Bobby served God as deacon in both Baker Baptist Church (Parker County) then Trinity Baptist in Lytle. He went on mission trips to Australia, Mexico, and in the US. He served as pastor, youth minister, and led music in both churches as well as “filling the pulpit” for churches in both north and south Texas, as requested. He also performed multiple weddings of family and friends. He had told the Lord he would always be willing to speak for Him as God gave him opportunity. There will be a Memorial Service at the Lytle High School Auditorium on Wednesday December 11 at 6:30pm with a reception following at Trinity Baptist Church in Lytle. On Saturday December 14th there will be a Memorial Service in Parker county at Baker Baptist Church at 10am. A scholarship to Weatherford College is being established at First Financial Bank under the name “Bobby McConathy Scholarship Fund” and a vocational/trade school Scholarship for a Lytle graduate at Lytle State Bank. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to either of these scholarships, to Trinity Baptist Church in Lytle, to Baker Baptist Church in Weatherford, to your Church of choice, or to the American Cancer Society.