Robert Douglas McFarling

Robert Douglas McFarling, 42 years old, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. A beloved husband of almost 16 years to his wife Amy McFarling, father to their son Luke, and a friend to thousands.

Robert was a radiant soul that filled every moment in life with joy and happiness. His smile and contagious laugh lit up a room and would brighten your day, making you a better person. His willing heart enabled him to touch the lives of everyone he encountered. Rob met the love of his life, Amy, at Casa Ole’ in College Station in 1999. It was love at first sight; he was the waiter in the Perry Ellis pants and spikey hair and as Rob would say, she was the “hostess with the mostess”. They moved to Leander in 2002 and built a home and life together, married June 30, 2007, and welcomed their greatest pride and joy, Luke, in 2010.

Making memories with those he loved was always his focus, whether it was sharing his love of his famous pork tenderloin, teaching his son how to ride a dirt bike, playing baseball or fishing. Yearly hunting trips with Luke to Oklahoma for deer camp and trips to the coast to recharge with his family brought incredible memories that will last forever. He was an excellent problem solver, the first to lend a hand, no matter what the need, Rob was there and he never met a stranger. The greatest handyman with a unique skill to create multiple masterpieces with his hands, he truly was the best in all aspects of life. He spent over 20 years in the construction industry and was a master crane operator. His fingerprints can be seen in the numerous buildings and bridges all over the city of Austin.

There will always be a void of his best bear hugs, however, his legacy lives on with the countless lives he touched. Even in death, Rob’s gracious heart and spirit continued with his organ donation to help save the lives of 80-100 “strangers”. He is survived by his mother Barbara Winkley-Lee and husband Richard, his father John McFarling Sr and wife Bernadette, brothers John Jr and Thomas. “Uncle Rob” will be greatly missed by Elizabeth, Thomas Jr., Ava, Gemma, Stella, Gretchen, Charles, and Michael along with three stepbrothers and two stepsisters. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, William J. Winkley, his grandmother, Alice Winkley, grandfather, Herbert W. McFarling and grandmother, Georgia Bell “Meme” McFarling and our dearest Kristie McFarling.

A celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page has been set up in Rob’s honor for Amy and Luke: https://gofund.me/8d6249e4

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishleander.com for the McFarling family.