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Robert James Houlihan, of Aubrey, TX, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the age of 93. Robert was born April 18, 1925 in St. Louis, MO. A member of St. James The Greater Parish, he attended high school at Christian Brothers College and graduated from Saint Louis University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science and Commerce degree. He was a World War II veteran, serving from 1943 to 1946 in the US Navy on the USS Ottawa. In 1950, Robert married Jacqueline Ann McVey and moved to Dallas. Employed for 45 years by Frank W. Winne & Sons, Inc., a cordage company based in Philadelphia, Robert was one of their top producing salesmen, and served as the Branch Manager in Dallas from 1973 to 1986. His job required extensive travel, including international travel to Europe and Asia. He was involved in many facets of the cordage industry and consulted with foreign manufacturers to develop top grade Polygrass Lariat rope used in calf roping competition. Robert served from 1990 to 2009 as a member of the Mustang Special Utility District board, which was instrumental in providing water to expand growth in North Texas. He and Jacqueline were founding members of St. Monica parish in Dallas, and established life-long friendships as their children grew up attending St. Monica Grade School and later Ursuline Academy and Jesuit College Preparatory School. In 1984 he and Jacqueline moved to Aubrey, TX, joining St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Pilot Point, TX. Robert was an accomplished speaker. He had a great sense of humor and was an outstanding role model as a husband, father, professional and member of his community. He led by example, and was beloved by his children and extended family and friends. When not travelling, Robert enjoyed spending his weekends outside, tending his property in Aubrey. Robert was preceded in death by Jacqueline, his loving wife of 62 years, parents John and Anna Houlihan, sisters Marjorie Clepper, Sister Eileen Houlihan O.P., and brothers John Houlihan and Frank Houlihan. Robert is survived by his son Robert Joseph Houlihan( Barbara), daughter Deborah O’Connell(Gerard), daughter Margaret Houlihan, daughter Karen Anton(Philip), son Patrick Houlihan(Patricia), son Michael Houlihan(Marjorie), brother Father Ralph Houlihan, SJ; grandchildren Laura Boring(David), Lisa Hewitt(Craig), Robert Hatley(Amanda), Shea Houlihan(Sarah), Zachary Terry(Haley), Kate Anton, Meghan Anton, Michael Hatley(Tam), Myria Houlihan Boehm(John), Daniel Hatley, Matthew Anton, Cara Houlihan Engels(Ryan), Michael Henry Houlihan(Mari), Kevin Houlihan(Jessica); 10 great-grandchildren and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Visitation, followed by the recitation of the Rosary, will begin at 7:30pm on Thursday, June 14, at Slay Memorial Funeral Home, 400 S Hwy 377, Aubrey, TX, 76227. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Ralph Houlihan S.J. and Father Tom Kennedy the following morning, Friday, June 15, at 11 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 400 St. Thomas Aquinas Ave, Pilot Point, TX, 76258. Please visit www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com if you wish to send a personal note to the Houlihan Family. To send a flower arrangement to the family of Robert James Houlihan, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Tributes

Robert James Houlihan

April 18, 1925 - June 9, 2018