Robert McElhaney Sr.

1929 - 2025

With deep love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Robert Franklin McElhaney, Sr., age 95, of Austin, Texas. He departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Robert was the only child of Oscar McElhaney and Alice Elizabeth Case. During the Great Depression, he was lovingly supported by his paternal aunts Jane, Laura, and Isabella.
Robert served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Forces before beginning a long and fulfilling career as a telecommunications technician and instructor with the Federal Aviation Administration. His work contributed to the development of aviation infrastructure throughout Texas.
He shared more than 37 cherished years with his beloved wife, Edra Zoe Ayers (née Austin). Together they built a warm and welcoming home where Robert's culinary talents were enjoyed during countless dinner gatherings. He found joy sailing Lake Travis aboard his sailboat, All Hours II, for over two decades. His other passions included airplanes, wood carving, painting, live music, playing piano, and vacationing at the Texas Gulf Coast.
Robert is survived by his wife Edra; daughters Dr. Alice Johnson and Laura Smith; son Robert F. McElhaney, Jr.; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A service with full military honors will be held at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery pavilion in San Antonio, Texas, at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. His urn will be placed in the columbarium and may be visited after 3:00 p.m. that day.
A Celebration of Life will take place at The Oasis Lakeside Terrace on Lake Travis in Austin from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (open house) on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.