Robert E Riley

Robert Eugene Riley, 76, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Court House Manor surrounded by all who loved him after his courageous battle with cancer. "Papaw Bob" was born on February 18, 1939 in Fayette County to John Riley & Opal Shackleford. He was fifth of seven children and grew up primarily in the Fayette County Children’s Home. Papaw Bob graduated from Bloomingburg High School in 1957 where he was an exceptional basketball player.

Throughout his amazing life he hitchhiked to California with his brother, Jim Riley, and they went on to own and operate Riley Asphalt here in Washington Court House. Papaw Bob was an avid bowler who loved a good Stinger. He enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, a chocolate chip cookie, a good action movie, a winning scratch-off, and doing everything he could for those he loved, especially his incredibly lucky grandchildren.

Papaw Bob is survived by his sisters Cathy (Arthur) Deakyne & Patty Riley, his brother Jim & half- brother Mike Shackleford, his children Brian (Donyel) Riley & Cathy (Jim) Reed, his grandchildren Mark (Candace) Winters Jr., Sarah Riley, & Kyle Reed, his great-granddaughter Ryleigh Winters, and his partner of 33 years, Betty Weatherington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill Riley & Chuck Riley, half-brother Tony Shackleford, and his sister Betty Smith.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 11 at 12pm in the Roberts Funeral Home in Washington Court House, after which, Papaw Bob will be laid to rest in the columbarium next to the beautiful fountain in the heart of the Washington Cemetery. A fitting place of beauty for an incredibly beautiful soul.

In lieu of flowers or cards the family would like donations sent to the James Cancer Center as they took exceptional care of Papaw Bob in his final days. You can mail donations to the OSU Foundation at 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43221. You can also call (614) 292-2141 or go online at cancer.osu.edu & click on the "giving back" tab.

Papaw Bob would like to remind everyone, "no boo-hooing."