Robert "Rocky" Burton McAshan

Robert “Rocky” Burton McAshan III passed away at home on February 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. He survived his wife Jane Elizabeth Duke McAshan by eight months. She passed away in the same place on June 16, 2024 surrounded by her family and friends.

Rocky was born on April 18, 1946 in Houston, Texas. He was the son of Robert Burton McAshan Jr. and Elinor June Olcott, brother to Perry (sister) and John (brother). He suffered from polio when he was five losing the use of his legs. He did not let that stop him from living a life full of friends, family, and professional success. His adventurous spirit even led him to scuba diving, indoor skydiving (age 70), ziplining (as late as age 77) and snow skiing. Walking on crutches most of his life led to the massive upper body that people quickly identified him by. Known for his golden voice and ‘never quit’ attitude, Rocky was quick to befriend all around him. He even once was chosen to sing the national anthem at a Houston Rocket’s game! Rocky enjoyed a long career as a financial advisor at Frost bank culminating in an executive role. As a guest professor at Rice University one year, he joined his students in opening the New York Stock Exchange.

He married Jane in 1970 and together they raised their children Beth, David, and Robert. A true family man, Rocky was always around to help with homework, dishes, and take everyone out for ice cream. Vacations to theme parks were especially exciting and fun. A love for theater and performing at the Hill Country Arts Foundation was passed to his children. Rocky enjoyed spending time at his ancestral home in Hunt, Texas that became BumbleBee Lodge. He participated in youth groups, choirs, and the occasional ill-timed sailing trip into the gulf, always leading his children through his perseverance.

Rocky enjoyed swimming, singing, traveling with family and playing Pokemon Go! and Ingress in the community Jane helped form. His generosity culminated in becoming a board member of the Round Rock Rotary Club and also included participating in Watch DOGS at his grand children’s school, years of church choirs, and leading sing-a-longs at his father’s retirement home. What he loved most was seeing his grandchildren - Evan, Kierra, Ashlyn, Rowan, and Hallie - play in the pool at the dream house he helped design with Jane. His favorite spot was outside on the deck, looking out over the ravine watching the birds.

Rocky spent his whole life overcoming incredible odds and adapting to his circumstance while not letting his positive spirit wane. He is an inspiration, who will be remembered by any who encountered him and whose memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing or loving him.

If you have any memories of Rocky you would like to share, please email them to: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of these charities:

Rotary Club of Round Rock Sunrise - https://www.rotaryroundrock-sunrise.com/

Post Polio Health International - https://post-polio.org/

Rice University Foundation - https://giving.rice.edu/

Kinkaid Foundation - https://www.kinkaid.org/giving/give-to-the-kinkaid-fund