Jon McDonald

1960 - 2025

Jon Stacy McDonald ("Big Ticket") passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of December 20, 2025, in Lakeway, Texas.

Jon was born on March 1, 1960, to Col. Robert W. McDonald, Jr., and Angela Rayburn McDonald in Pontotoc, Mississippi. The McDonald's moved to Belton, Missouri, in 1965, then to Clear Lake City, Texas, in 1971. It was there that Jon learned to play the infuriating game of golf, a pastime that he would enjoy (sometimes not so much) for the rest of his life. In 1975, the McDonalds moved to Warner Robins, GA, where Jon would play on the golf team and graduate from high school in 1978. Jon continued his education at the University of Mississippi. During his time in the ATO fraternity, he forged lasting bonds with friends who would stay by his side for the rest of his life. It is safe to say Jon was a RABID Ole Miss fan. Hotty Toddy!! After graduating in 1982, Jon joined his family, who had moved to Austin, TX.

Jon's business career focused on various aspects of the banking industry. He started at First City Bank, where he became the youngest Vice President in the bank's history. He held multiple positions at Lake Austin National Bank, Tejas Securities, and, finally, at National Alliance as a bond broker. Jon had a powerful work ethic and an unbreakable sense of loyalty and dedication to his employers and clients. He was a tremendous asset wherever he worked. Jon was also on the Board of Directors at First National Bank (renamed First Choice Bank) in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Jon enjoyed life in Austin in the 1980s, but his single days were numbered. In the late 80s, he met Carla Connor from Wichita Falls, TX. They were married in 1991 and had a daughter, Emily Ann, in May 1993. Jon loved Carla deeply, but she passed away tragically in 2009. They had 18 incredibly happy years together, and he would miss her dearly.

For the next several years, Jon dedicated his life to Emily and her many interests. He was a very proud dad as she graduated from Lake Travis High School and went on to earn her degree at Texas Tech University. Being in Lubbock for four years meant countless trips through the scenic West Texas countryside for both Jon and Emily, but it was worth every minute. During that period, Jon met a very special woman, Robin Silguero. Their relationship grew into a deep, meaningful bond, and they married in 2015 in La Quinta, CA. Together, Jon and Robin developed a shared love of art and traveled around the country to study and collect their favorite pieces. He rooted for her Longhorns, and she rooted for his Rebels. Oddly enough, they both rooted for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. They enjoyed great friends and went to many parties, restaurants, games, and trips. She mercifully endured his golf games.

Big Ticket's personality was really quite special. A descriptive expression that is too easily used is "Larger Than Life," but without a doubt, Jon McDonald was precisely that. He didn't just take over a room; he seized it. He lit it up. You couldn't help but know when Jon was around. He was fun, funny, clever, quick-witted, and generous. He was smart as a whip on so many subjects. He didn't just know about banking or art or Mississippi-he would stun you with just how many odd subjects he knew about. Jon was such a kind person. He would not hesitate to help people in need. He would go above and beyond what was asked of him. His kindness was not limited to the young or the old, or even to his best friends. He would help anyone who needed him. He was truly an original person. Big Ticket's entire life was a Tour de Force. He had a magnetic personality rarely seen. He leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.

Jon was preceded in death by his loving parents, Col. Robert W. McDonald, Jr., and Angela R. McDonald, and Carla Jo McDonald.

Survived by his wife, Robin Wilson McDonald; daughter, Emily Ann McDonald; his stepchildren, whom he loved as his own, Blake Silguero (Blake W.), Taylor Silguero (Brittany), and Kristen Silguero; his brother, Robert W. McDonald III (Regina); sister, Mary Elese McDonald; nephews, R.W. McDonald and Zack McDonald (Kylie); niece, Hunter Connor; and his three granddaughters, Quinn, Palmer, and Carter, who brought him great joy and lovingly referred to him as Pop Pop; great-nephews, Mac, Logan, and Bubba; and great-niece, Charlotte, along with many in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who filled his life with the love of family.

In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Lake Travis Education Foundation in Jon's memory.