George Luther McAteer

George Luther McAteer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend left us Friday, the 11th of August, to meet his God. With a smile for all, he was happiest when with his family and friends. George loved to laugh, dance, ride his horses and work cattle. He loved all children, especially his grandchildren who adored their Papaw.

George was raised in Spur,Texas where he raised livestock and worked cattle with his Uncle Bob. George graduated from Spur Texas High School where he rode in the school rodeos then attended Sul Ross University. He began a 37 year career with Conoco, Inc. in the oilfields of west Texas. That illustrious career took him to Oklahoma, Montana, New York, Connecticut and back to Texas. George traveled the world as assistant to the President of Conoco and returned permanently to Houston as the General Manager of Facilities, overseeing construction of the new Conoco office complex and the conference facilities in Bandera, Texas. Representing Conoco, George assisted in establishing the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Conoco 10K Run, which has subsequently provided thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to Texas students. George was a Lifetime Director on the Board of HLS&R where he served as Parade Chairman (1996-1999). He was a Charter member of the Houston Facilities Outhouse Gang, a member of Calf Scramble Committee, International Committee and the Little Rustlers.

George was an avid sportsman. He played tennis and golf, enjoyed coaching his sons' teams and rooting for the San Antonio Spurs and Texas Aggies. He loved smoking his pipe while riding his horses, especially "Buck". He was a devoted member of The Texas Vaqueros where he served as vice-president, wrangler and made I.D. badges. He rode with the Ranchers' Ride and Salt Grass trail riders on the Magnificent Wagon 7.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David Crocket, Georgia Mae Blair McAteer, and his son, Gregg McAteer. George is survived by his loving wife, Gloria McKenney and his children, Jeanne, George, Gayle, Beth, Kate, Janet and Judi and their spouses, brother Jim McAteer (Lila) and sister Ruthie Ryan, 22 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are cordially invited to greet the family during a gathering from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 17th of August, in the grand foyer of Geo H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 18th of August, at West University United Methodist Church, 3611 University Blvd in Houston. Immediately following guests are invited to greet the family during a reception in the High Court room.

In lieu of customary remembrance, memorial contributions may be sent to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Fund Calf Scramble in care of: Kim Wilson, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225

George will continue to ride with his brothers and sisters in their hearts. We will miss his smile, his hearty laugh and his silly jokes as we give him unto the arms of those who await him.