Robert Allen McDonald — known to most simply as Allen — passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, with his beloved wife Darlene by his side.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Englunds Chapel in Slaton. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Englunds Chapel. Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery in Slaton.

Born in Plainview, Texas on June 18, 1952, Allen was raised with strong values and deep roots. He spent his formative years in Slaton, Texas, where he played football and, more importantly, met Darlene, the love of his life. Their bond would become the foundation of a remarkable life and legacy. Together, they raised eight children: Matthew, Allisyn, Micah, Luke, Rachel, Joel, James, and Rebekah — each a reflection of his quiet strength, unwavering guidance, and deep love.

Allen graduated magna cum laude at the top of his class from Texas Tech University, a distinction he earned while holding down a full time job and raising five children.  It was a remarkable achievement and a testament to his brilliant mind and tireless work ethic. He spent 20 years as a computer programming specialist at Shell Oil, widely respected as a leader and expert in his field. Later in life, he returned to the land he loved as a cattle rancher — a natural extension of his grounded spirit and connection to the outdoors.

He was a man of profound integrity — driven, loyal, and deeply principled. With a genius-level intellect and a humble heart, Allen lived by values that didn’t waver with the times. He was dependable, wise, and honest — the kind of man who didn’t need to raise his voice to be heard or respected. A devoted husband, a steadfast father, and a faithful friend. He found joy in running, reading, and relentless research — always seeking truth, always learning. Above all, Allen was a man of faith. A quiet believer in God whose life testified to strength, dignity, and grace.

Allen is survived by his wife Darlene; his mother, Ramona Prater; his eight children; his two sisters, Brenda and Roxanne; and his seven grandchildren: Scarlett, Alexzandra, Avery, Easton, Joah, Adelyn, and Miles. He is preceded in death by his father, Carroll McDonald.

His legacy is not just in what he accomplished, but in how he lived — with honor, with humility, and with a love that never had to be spoken to be known.

He was the kind of man you don’t replace. You remember him. You live by his example. And you carry him with you — always