Muckleroy “Budge” McDonnold Jr.

Muckleroy McDonnold, Jr. (Budge) passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, his 92^nd birthday.  He was given the name Muckleroy at birth, but chose to go by the initial “M” (for obvious reasons) and nickname “Budge.”  He was born to Muckleroy McDonnold and Merle Brown McDonnold on February 19, 1933 in Dallas, Texas.  Though living in San Antonio, a doctor friend in Dallas agreed to deliver their baby for free, so the decision was made to make the trip.

Budge is survived by his loving and beloved wife, Shirley Jones McDonnold.  They met on a blind date, TX/OU weekend in 1953, and were married January 28, 1955. He and his “bride” as he often referred to her, just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  He would sometimes refer to Shirley as his “first wife” which would leave those who did not understand his humor looking a bit confused.

He is also survived by his three children, Megan M. Booth (Richard), Craig M. McDonnold (Leslie) and Kyle H. McDonnold (Holly), and 10 grandchildren Dr. Justin Booth (Sharon), Kaylea Booth (Markie), Dr. W. Bedford Booth (Lauren), Russell Booth (Tawney), Emily Berry (Brian), Gunner McDonnold, Rawlin McDonnold, Allison Morley (Geoff), Cole McDonnold and Robert McDonnold, as well as 9 Great Grandchildren and a niece and a nephew.

Budge grew up in Olmos Park and graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1951.  He attended the University of Texas and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1956.  He first practiced law as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney of Bexar County.

Shirley and Budge moved to Midland in September, 1958 to go to work for Sinclair Oil and Gas Company.  He left in January, 1961 to practice oil and gas law and become an independent landman.

Budge was known to be quite a character, which is probably an understatement. He loved to jab and tease, but those who knew him well knew he had a heart of gold.  He had a quick wit and was incredibly loyal and generous to his family and to his friends, many of whom he had known since first grade.

We will miss him dearly, but will always cherish the memories we made on family trips, skiing in Colorado, family scuba diving trips to exotic locations, summers at the lake house, hunting and fishing trips with his sons and Easter egg hunts with the grandkids at Horseshoe Bay.  At the age of 86 he traveled to Africa with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter for a photographic safari in Kenya. Shirley and Budge shared a love of history and culture and enjoyed many trips traveling the world together.

He was an almost compulsive exerciser. He played tennis and swam in his younger years and worked out at COM religiously until he was 91 with his portable oxygen in tow.  Budge was an avid reader and read the Wall Street Journal with scissors in hand so he could clip articles to send to family and friends who might be interested (or not).

He served as President of the Exchange Club where he was a long-time member.  He was also a member of the Permian Basin Landman Association, State Bar of Texas, Midland Country Club (since 1967), Horseshoe Bay Yacht Club, Racquet Club and Petroleum Club of Midland.

The family would like to express its gratitude to his wonderful and loyal caregivers Elizabeth, Josie, Petra, Erica and Jennifer, whose care allowed him to live out his life at home with his wife. He once said, “I’m not ready to go yet, my bride needs me, we need each other.”   The family also wishes to thank Dr. Shylesh Ganta, Dr. P. V. Patel and Hospice of Midland.  In addition, our family is so thankful to Kay Fleetwood for her many years of tireless dedication to Budge and his business operations.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to be sent to the charity of your choice.

A private graveside service will be held.  We invite family and friends for a celebration of Budge’s life to be held at Midland Country Club on Saturday, March 1 from 5 – 7 pm.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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