Lt. Col. Robert Allen McPartland, USAF, Ret.

Robert Allen McPartland, a United States Air Force fighter pilot and retired Lieutenant Colonel passed away peacefully at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House on January 19, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones in Austin, Texas. He was 89 years old.

Born March 24, 1935, on the family farm in Conde, South Dakota to Bernard Henry McPartland and Mary Lena Bertsch McPartland, Robert was the youngest of seven children in his family. He was known as “Mac” by his wife and close friends, “Bob” and Dad. His children affectionately nicknamed him “By the Book Bob” due to his integrity and appreciation for rules.

In high school, Robert excelled in basketball and track, and was an avid outdoorsman. Robert graduated from Conde High School, and attended South Dakota State University from 1953 – 1954, majoring in agriculture. He was an active participant in the ROTC. One day while hunting, he heard the sound of a roaring jet and upon witnessing the plane soar through the clouds, he knew he would change course and pursue a career as a jet pilot. In 1955, Lt. Col. McPartland earned his wings and graduated as a jet pilot at Williams Air Force Base.

In April of 1958 Robert saw a stunningly beautiful woman in line at the bank making a deposit. It was love at first sight; Robert knew that he had to meet her. He happened to know a friend at the bank who was able to introduce him to Maria Mercedes Gonzalez. After much convincing, Mercedes agreed to a first date, three days after the bank encounter. Robert swept Mercedes off her feet with his charm and impeccable manners, treating her to a fancy dinner at The Officer’s Club. Mercedes’ father met Robert and agreed he was a perfect gentleman, worthy of his daughter.

Three months after meeting Mercedes, Robert received a transfer to Malden AFB in Missouri. He went to Mercedes’ parents and asked for her hand in marriage as he could not imagine a day without Mercedes by his side. On July 12th,1958, Robert married Mercedes in a traditional Catholic ceremony in Laredo, Texas, and they were off to Missouri to begin their life together.

The young couple was blessed in November of 1959 with their first child, Bryan Arthur. Robert was then transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas where daughters Marie Alexandria, Jenifer Marie arrived soon thereafter.

Lt. Col. McPartland spent a tour of three years in Izmir, Turkey, returning to the states in August of 1965. He received his commission through the aviation cadet program.

During the Vietnam War, Lt. Col. McPartland was a member of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand. He flew the F-4C Phantom II in the 555th Fighter Squadron “Triple Nickel” under the command of the legendary Brigadier General Robin Olds. The 8th TFW later became known as the "Wolfpack" and the 555th Fighter Squadron became the USAF’s top wing in Southeast Asia.

A true patriot, he returned to the states from Vietnam on September 9, 1967, after completing 100 missions. He was stationed with his family at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida from 1967-1972. In 1968, Robert and Mercedes were blessed with their fourth child, Laura Rae. The McPartland family was complete. Lt. Col. McPartland continued his military career and was transferred to Washington, DC, to work at The Pentagon from 1972 until his retirement in 1976.

During his career in the Air Force, Lt. Col. McPartland was awarded the Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight during January 29, 1967 - May 11, 1967 and June 20, 1967 - August 29, 1967. He exhibited outstanding airmanship and courage in the successful accomplishment of important missions under extremely hazardous conditions. His highly professional efforts contributed to the mission of the United State Air Force in Southeast Asia.

Lt. Col. McPartland was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism while participating in aerial flight on August 4, 1967.

Once retired, Robert was Member of the Board of Directors for Safeway Rental Equipment Company. He valued the relationships he built and the experience he had during the extension and restoration of the Texas State Capitol. He was instrumental in expanding product lines and customer base.

Robert lived an incredibly rich life, staying on top of the world’s ever-changing technology advancements. He was an information seeker and avid reader, a devout foodie, he enjoyed bird watching with his beloved Mercedes outside of his Northwest Hills home, and coveted Texas Longhorn football. He loved deeply and was proud of his family. The love story with Mercedes lasted more than 66 years and she was always his number one priority. He will be forever missed by his family who honored his final day with a Johnny Cash and Charlie Rich concert organized by Swan Songs. Robert loved the Lord and lived and died in peace.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lena Bertsch and Bernard Henry McPartland; his siblings, Matthew Bernard McPartland, Bernice McPartland Baker (Larry), Florian James McPartland (Fern), Eunice McPartland Hill-Thome (Leo and Joseph) and infant Mary Ann McPartland; his brother-in-law, Virgil Leonard LaBrie; his son-in-law, Melvin Starnes and numerous in-laws.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maria Mercedes Gonzalez McPartland; his children Bryan Arthur McPartland (Cara), Marie Alexandria Starnes, Jenifer Marie Shaw, and Laura McPartland Matz (Richard); his sister Ardis Mae McPartland LaBrie; his grandchildren, Rachel Jean McPartland, Sara Mercedes Shaw and Edward Nesbit Shaw, IV and great-granddaughter, Lily Sophia McPartland; his son-in-law Edward Nesbit Shaw, III; and his sister-in-law Juanita Greenwood McPartland. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The McPartland family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Robert’s dedicated medical team at Ascension Seton Medical Center, and the compassionate staff at Hospice Austin.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with recitation of the rosary at 7:00 pm Friday, February 7, 2025 at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home at 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Mary Cathedral at 203 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1:30 pm. The graveside burial with full military honors will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.

Serving as pallbearers will be Slade Patrick Cummins, Guillermo "Memo" Xavier Gonzalez, Humberto Eduardo Gonzalez, Thomas Robert LaBrie, Richard Lee Matz, Jr., Bryan Arthur McPartland, Edward Nesbit Shaw, III and Edward Nesbit Shaw, IV. Honorary pallbearers will be The Honorary Ferdinand D. Clervi, John Jeffery “Jeff” Mundy and David Glenn Wilkes.

Robert was a kind, loving man, a devoted husband, an exceptional father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a treasured friend. We feel fortunate to have had the best role model a family could have asked for.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “In memory of Robert A. McPartland” and directed to:

Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759, or online at HospiceAustin.org.

Swan Songs, PO Box 41475, Austin, Texas 78704, or online at Swansongs.org.