Howard G. "Mike" McGrath, 62, a Fort Worth businessman, passed away unexpectedly while decorating his family's yard for Christmas Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004.

Funeral: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Greenwood Chapel. Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Funeral Home.

Mike McGrath was born Nov. 26, 1941, in Omaha, Neb., to his late parents, Howard and Frances McGrath. The family moved in 1945 to Fort Worth, where Mike eventually founded McGrath Enterprises. He married Debbi McDanel June 24, 1967, and the two always called each other "Buddy."

Mike was a devoted father to their children, Kelli and "Mik," and an adoring "Poppy" to his grandsons, Brendan, Nicholas and Jordan.

Mike will be long-remembered by his family and friends for his integrity and his boundless generosity. A man who would give people anything they needed, even if he didn't have it to spare, Mike often disarmed people with the pure kindness that awaited beneath what seemed at first glance a gruff exterior.

Mike enjoyed filling his family's home with guests for huge holiday and birthday celebrations. People loved feasting on the bounty from his famous backyard smoker and they admired the massive projects he undertook in his yard. He was particularly proud of the oasis of serene gardens he crafted that included a fish pond, fountain and gazebo.

While his family came above all else, Mike loved being outdoors, setting trot lines in Lake Benbrook with his kids and fishing for stripers from his boat. His trademarks were his cowboy boots, which he wore even when walking daughter Kelli down the aisle at her wedding, and his big red truck, which loved ones joked was his third child.

Survivors: Wife, Debbi McDanel McGrath; daughter, Kelli and son-in-law, John Naylor; son, Howard William "Mik" McGrath and daughter-in-law, Terrye; grandsons, Jordan Naylor and Brendan and Nicholas McGrath; sister, Lynda Sanderson; and niece, Stacie Davila.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard McGrath

20 Entries

Dennis Trott

December 8, 2004

I met Mike in the 7th grade at Monnig Junior High and last saw him at an AHHS luncheon. He was a fine person and pleasure to know. I will look forward to seeing him again someday in heaven. My condolences to his family.

Francine Pratt

November 27, 2004

Dearest Debbi and Family,

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's death. He was such a dear husband, father, son-in-law, and friend. I know how deeply you will miss him, but his legacy lives on in each of you.

Although I was out-of-town when I heard the news, please know that I have been praying for you all and feel connected to you in spirit. This is a tough time, but I have no doubt that God will pull you through it. Lean on your friends--we are here for you.

Blessings and love,

Francine

Travis Williams

November 27, 2004

Debbi, Kelli, Mik, and McGrath family... I am so saddened by the tragedy of Mike's death. Over the years Mike became much more than just a friend to me. In a way, he was like a second dad. I will always remember the many "tours" he gave me, showing me the latest big project he had completed or the latest new tool or toy he had gotten. I realized long ago that those times together weren't nearly as much about whatever it was that it was he was showing me as much as it was about us sharing a little time together. I always enjoyed my talks with Mike. I had a huge amount of respect for him and the way he moved through the world. It's rare to meet men with such integrity and honor these days. He was a big Teddy Bear wrapped in a tough and gruff cowboy exterior. I was lucky to become close enough to your family to witness the close-knit family y'all have built together. Each of you, along with his grandchildren, are Mike's biggest legacy. He was so proud of his family. Speaking at his funeral was a huge honor for me - one that I'll never forget.

Much love and continued prayers,

Trav

Peggy Reidy

November 24, 2004

Kelli, I'm so sorry about your dad. I didn't know him, but from what everybody is saying he was a pretty good guy to know!! I won't be at the funeral, but wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask me.

Gretchen Florie

November 24, 2004

Kelli,

We were so saddened to hear this news. Your dad was a wonderful man and he opened his heart and home to so many of us over the years. He holds a special place in the hearts of so many - a very special man indeed. We are saying many prayers for strength your family right now - I know this has got to be one of the most difficult times you have ever gone through. Please know you all are in our thoughts and we love you all. We will be here for you all in any way you need us.

With hugs and love,

Gretchen & Jason

Cynthia Lambert

November 24, 2004

Kelli's parents have always been so dear to me and my family. We will miss Mike so much. He was a wonderful Man. My son worshiped him and called him his hero. Hayden wrote in school about fun times they had together and then worried about upsetting his own Dad. Mike was like a Grandfather to my kids, loving, caring and always interested in what they were doing. The Lambert Family will miss Mike very much but the memories will keep us smiling.

Love,

Cynthia

Barry McMahon

November 24, 2004

We were saddened to hear of Mike's untimely passing. I'm sure it is hard on you all and wish we could do something to help. You are in our prayers.

John Naylor

November 23, 2004

When I got the news from my wife, Kelli, that her father had passed away, I was in shock. There's no way this man - so strong - could have passed away. Driving back from Dallas that Saturday morning a flood of memories came back to me which reminded me of what a great man Mike McGrath was.

As many people have stated, Mike was a kind man, loving husband, father and grandfather... he was just a good person. I think Gary Hankins put it best when I overheard him tell Debbi "He took care of all of us." And that was the truth.

I remember fun things about Mike such as the fact that he always tried to intimidate Kelli's boyfriends or guy friends with a stern look and strong, bone-crushing handshake. But it was all in fun as Mike was really a teddy bear at heart.

I remember always going over to the McGrath household for numerous parties, even prior to Kelli and I getting married. This was a happy family, headed up by such a fun-loving guy.

I remember the many times Mike came over to help Kelli and I in a pinch. I, not being a mechanical ace like Mike, would always get frustrated that Kelli had called her father. But it didn't bother Mike. He loved to help us with projects such as planting new trees, working on the yard, building flower beds, fixing the sprinkler system. There's just too many to name. But that was his nature. He was always going to help. He even sat me down and explained, after noticing how frustrated I was, that he enjoyed helping us with these projects.

I remember Mike manning his massive barbecue grill in the backyard, always cooking dozens of chickens and other meats for friends and family.

I remember Mike walking Kelli down the aisle - even though he probably didn't want to give away his little girl - and of him dancing with Kelli at our reception.

I remember hearing his big red machine from a distance and knowing that Kelli's calvary had arrived.

I'll remember how kind and loving he was to his grandchildren: Brendan, Nicholas and our Jordan. I promised Kelli that Jordan would remember how special his Poppi was and that our impending child would also learn who Poppi was.

And of course, I'll always remember the times Kelli threatened me when she was mad at me, saying, "I'm going to call my Daddy on you!" Thank goodness, she never had to.

I wished I had told Mike how much I cared about him and how much I admired him. Time and other things going on in our lives seemed to get in the way. I love you Mike and I'm going to miss you. If I can be half the husband and father you were, then my life will be a success. As I told you in the hospital, I'm going to take care of your little girl.

Love- John

Kelli McGrath Naylor

November 23, 2004

Daddy, Daddy, Daddy. I keep saying how can he be gone. How can a man that meant so much and that was so strong be gone? I don't know if i'll ever get that answer but I do know that I loved him more than almost anything in this world.

He was a shining star that brighten, enriched and completed my life. The last time I saw him was Friday night at my son's Thanksgiving celebration. I saw him from a distance and he looked so handsome! I imediately felt safe, secure, loved and whole! That is how my daddy made me feel safe, secure, loved and whole! Just a look from him could make it all better - isn't that what a daddy is for to make it all better? I SO wish he was here to make all this better. But I guess it is now my time to do that for myself along with the help of my family, friends, husband and son. I will FOREVER miss you daddy! I can not image my life without you. I was happy for 2 things about my father's death: the fact he got to see his father, who died in Jan. 19, 1995 that he's missed since that day, again and that he will no longer have stress or any pain!

THANK YOU to all his friends and family that has been there for us. All the calls and words mean and help more than you can ever know!

Love always and forever Daddy, your one and only good daughter!

Teresa Byrd Shurtz

November 23, 2004

Kelli,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a wonderful person and I know you will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Teresa Byrd-Shurtz

Terrye McGrath

November 22, 2004

I am so very devastated by losing Mike in my life. Even though I know that he will always be with us, he has left such a huge hole that I know will never be filled. I just don't know what Brendan & Nicholas will do without him, as well as the rest of us. One of the boy's favorite things to do was to go outside and get Poppy so they could all pop a squat on the wall and watch the world go by, but then again, they loved doing anything with their Poppy. They adored him so very much and now they just seem so lost and confused. I only hope that we can raise them to grow up to be as good and generous as their Poppy. I think what I loved and respected about Mike the most was his total commitment to his family and friends. There was never a moment when he did not stop whatever he was doing and take the time to share or listen to a story, give encouragement, give you a simple and enthusiastic smile or give you the shirt off of his back if that was what you needed. There just was not a better person or friend and I am so very blessed to have had him in my life. I also want to thank Mik, Kelli & Debbi for sharing him with me so completely -it was great to have a Dad again. I will always treasure being known as his one and only good daughter-in-law. I love you and miss you more than words can ever say. Regarding your life with us, it was most definitely another job well done by you in action.

Donna Eddlemon-Adams

November 22, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire McGrath family. I did not know Mike well even though I had known him for about 25 years, but I know he was a wonderful person and family man. Such a great person will be a real asset to Heaven and I look forward to seeing him again one day.

MIK MCGRATH

November 22, 2004

TO A LOVING FATHER THAT I FEEL THAT I NEVER DID ANOUGH FOR, AND HE ALWAY GAVE ME MORE THAN ANYONE SHOULD GET. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH BUT YET I DON'T THINK THAT I TOLD HIM WELL ANOUGH, BUT I THINK THAT HE KNEW THAT. WE WERE SOOOOO HARD HEADED THAT BOTH JUST HAD TO BE RIGHT AND ONE WOULD ALWAYS BACK DOWN,STRIKE THAT I WOULD JUST TURN AND LEAVE TO COOL DOWN, NOW I WISH I WOULD HAVE STAYED AND WORKED IT OUT WITH HIM. I THINK THE FUNNIST TIME WAS WHEN WE WERE FIGHTING OVER SOMETHING STUPID AND IT GOT REALLY HEATED I BALLED UP MY FIST AND HE SAID "COME ON AND HIT ME IF YOU WANT TOO" WHAT DO YOU THINK I DID NEXT ITS NOT WHAT YOU MIGHT THING, I SAID" I MAY BE DUMB BUT NOT STUPID", HE WAS PRETTY STRONG AND AS MUCH AS I KNEW AND THOUGHT I KNEW THERE WAS ONE THING THAT I KNEW, IS THAT I HAD MORE RESPECT FOR MY FATHER THEN THAT AND WOULD NEVER RAISE A HAND TO HIM. JUST LIKE HE SHOULD TO EVERYONE INTILL THEY SHOULD HIM DIFFERENT. HE WAS ONE OF A KIND. THE MAN COULD DO NO WRONG IN MY BOOK FOR I LOVED HIM SO MUCH THAT I WOULD HAVE GIVING MY LIFE FOR HIM IN A SECOND SO THAT HE COULD SEE MY SISTER'S NEW BABY TO BE BORN OR MY KIDS GROW UP AND THEY GET MARRIED.

SO MUCH WAS LOST WHEN HE DIED THAT HE WOULD LOVED TO SEE....SO I GUESS I WILL TAPE IT SO WHEN I PASS I CAN GIVE IT TO HE TO SEE...

TIME TO GET OFF NOW CAN'T SEE THE KEYS TO TYPE.

I MISS YOU SOO MUCH THAT I DON'T WANT TO FORGET YOU I DIDN'T SAY IT WHEN YOU WERE ALIVE ANOUGH NOW I WILL SAY IT ALL THE TIME TO MAKE UP FOR ALL THE TIMES I DIDN'T

I LOVE YOU FOR EVER POPPI,DADDY, DAD,MIKE

Scott Tuomey

November 22, 2004

What a wonderful neighbor and friend! You will be missed.

Lynda Wolfe Tomlinson

November 22, 2004

I went to high school with Mike, knew his entire family and even had a business association with him in later years. I'm truly saddened to realize that such a wonderful man is no longer with us. He was my "third" little brother!

Lori Wilkerson

November 22, 2004

Mike was like a father to me...I remember all the times at the McGrath home when Kelli and I were growing up. I often thought to myself "what a great dad". Kelli and Mik are very lucky to have had a "daddy" like Mike. His family meant the world to him as he did to them. I am sure he is looking down on all of us and beaming w/pride for his family and seeing the impact he had on the life of his friends. I am sure he is getting heaven ready to welcome all of us when our time comes and I sure hope he is allowed to cook our welcome meal 'cause his BBQ brisket is the bomb!!! Love Lori

Laynie Dickey

November 22, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Massie

November 22, 2004

May Peace be with you and your family.

Emily Grimes

November 22, 2004

I'm shocked and saddened at Mike's passing ... deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.

Mary Ellen Johnson

November 22, 2004

Mike was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.