Thomas Elkin McGaughy, Sr.

Elkin McGaughy died at his home in San Antonio at the age of 94 after a long life he thoroughly enjoyed. Barbara, his wife of 68 years, was by his side. His children and their families were able to appreciate his warm character and wit until the end.

Thomas Elkin McGaughy, son of Ruby Dale Elkin and Franklin Clay McGaughy, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on October 8, 1927. His family moved to San Antonio during the Depression when Elkin was five years old. He attended Alamo Heights schools, graduating high school in 1944. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Elkin served in the Navy at the end of World War II and was stationed in New Orleans.

In 1949 he returned to San Antonio where he soon met and married Barbara Crossette, part of the San Antonio Maverick family. Elkin with his vibrant spirit, was easily accepted into Barbaras very large family and quickly became a beloved, honorary Maverick. The couple hosted numerous Maverick family gatherings through the years.

After the Navy, Elkin began his career in home building. He established McGaughy Construction Company, and later transitioned to land development, working with many partners who were close friends. In his later years, Elkin would point out land across the city that he had held onto for decades before the city eventually grew to include those properties.

Elkin was civic minded and served on the city council and as Mayor of Alamo Heights.

Elkin loved to play golf and played regularly at the San Antonio Country Club with his close friends and family. He was a firm believer in getting "his heart rate up." He played tennis, jogged until he was 85, and had daily walks well into his 93rd year.

He was a great Dad to his four children who adored and respected him. Among some of their favorite family memories were Sunday night Mexican food dinners, Crested Butte ski trips, visiting relatives in Tupelo, Mississippi, and summer trips to Fort Clark in Brackettville, TX with some of their best family friends.

To Elkin McGaughy, honesty and authenticity were the most important characteristics for anyone. He was a straight shooter. He showed compassion and kindness to everyone he knew, remembering their names and the details of their lives.

He was a member of the San Antonio Home Builders Association (President), Christ Episcopal Church (Senior Warden), the San Antonio Country Club (President), The Town Club (President), the Texas Cavaliers, The San Antonio German Club, The Order of the Alamo, and The Argyle Club.

He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Clay McGaughy, his mother, Ruby Dale Elkin McGaughy, and his brother, Franklin Clay McGaughy Jr.

Elkin McGaughy is survived by his wife, Barbara Crossette McGaughy; his sister-in-law Patsy McGaughy, and brother Kent McGaughy (Peggy); Son, Tom McGaughy (Jennifer); Daughters: Virginia Knott (Richard), Julie Kleberg (Scott), and Rena Sehlke (Bryon); grandchildren, Trey McGaughy (Margo), Mary Collis (Chris), Kathryn Shafer (Nick), Kristen Mayfield (Ryan), Avery Knott, Matt Kleberg (Liz), Sarah Friedman (Dillon), Elkin Kleberg (Elisabeth) Julie King (Lukin), Davis Sehlke, Ben Sehlke, Tom Sehlke; great-grandchildren, Maeve and Camille McGaughy, Brady and Leighton Collis, Maddie, Maverick and Saylor Shafer, Emma, Ellie, and Brynn Mayfield, Waylon and Wilder Kleberg, Lainey and Walker Friedman and Robbie King.

The family thanks caregivers, Janie, Celia, Deya, and Veronica, and also Brittanie for their tender care during his final days.

VISITATION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

1101 MCCULLOUGH AVENUE

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

2:00 PM

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

510 BELKNAP PLACE

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Hope House Ministries (430 N. Cherry, San Antonio, 78202, wegivehopesa.org or by calling 210-313-2038), or to a charity of your choice.

Those unable to attend the service may view the live stream by clicking here.