DENNY EARL McCONATHY
Denny Earl McConathy passed away on May 15th 2023 at home in El Dorado, Arkansas with his wife and his daughter Dana by his side. Denny was born on July 21st 1944 in Vivian, Louisiana to Joseph Ponder McConathy and Pauline Langston Bailey who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of El Dorado High
School and Southern State University. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Wilkinson, in 1965. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of the First
Baptist Church of Hot Springs,
AR.
Denny began his refinery career in 1965 in the maintenance utility department of Monsanto’s
El Dorado refinery and was soon promoted to the operations department. While working full time at
Monsanto, he took advantage of participating in a college tuition refund program and successfully completed his college education. Denny held a bachelor of arts degree from Southern State University in Magnolia.
With emphasis in the areas of management and economics. Upon receiving his degree, he was immediately promoted into Monsanto’s asphalt research department and later into asphalt sales. In 1994 Denny joined MacMillian ring free Petroleum Company, also out of El Dorado, as manager of Asphalt Sales. Two years later he began his association with Cross Oil as Refinery Manager of their Smackover Refinery. He was promoted to Vice President and General Manager, a position held for twelve years before entering into buy-out of the Company in 1990. From 1990 until 2006, when he sold the Company, he served as the Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer of Cross Oil Refining and Marketing Inc.
Denny leaves behind his wife Margaret of 58 years, three daughters Dana(Walter) of El Dorado, Gina(Michael) of Bentonville, and Leah(Ryker) of El Dorado. He was Papa to his grandchildren, Alan Tyson (Lauren), John Tyson(Madeline), Wesley Tyson, Austin Garrett, Ryan Garrett, David Garrett, and Maggie McDaniel along with three great-grandchildren. Two sisters Carolyn Malone (James) and Paula Jones and two sisters-in-law Evelyn Turbeville (late Bobby Joe) and Betty Flournoy (Eddie) and many nieces and nephews that were greatly adored by him.
Visitation will be held from 1 pm to 2pm Wednesday May 17th, 2023 at Young’s Chapel with memorial services to follow with Dr. Bubba Smith officiating.
In lieu of Flowers, please make memorials to the Salvation Army of El Dorado, P.O. Box 356, El Dorado, AR 71730 or Hope’s Landing, P.O Box 10215, El Dorado, AR 71730