Robert D. Riley

Capt. Robert D. Riley, 78, of Dallas and formerly of Burnet, died Sept. 15, 2010. He was born April 25, 1932, to Arthur Willis and Lilly Pearl May Riley.

He graduated from Burnet High School in 1949, then attended San Angelo State University before joining the Air Force. He served as a pilot.

After leaving the military, he flew for American Airlines and then retired after 30 years.

Even though he did not have children of his own, he saw to it that young men and women who wanted to attend college were able to do so thanks to contributions he made to Baylor University.

About two dozen students benefited from his help and their pictures are on the walls of his home.

His friend Ken Warden said, “He was an outside man. He loved hunting and fishing. I would call and say ‘Robert, let’s go to the river.’ Robert would say, ‘You leave the runway open and I will be there in six hours.'”

He and five friends — John Johnson, Gratton Williams, Clinton Ringstaff, Rickey Field and Warden — would do this at the drop of a hat.

He had several nicknames — “The Old Maid,” “The Great White Hunter” and “Rally Riley.” Instead of cursing, he would often say, “Sorry, sucker.”

All who knew him say that he was a great person as well as fun. He did many things beneficial for friends, family and mankind.

Survivors include his nephews Robert Glover and wife Gwen of Georgetown and Donald Glover of Salem, Mass.; brother-in-law Don Glover and wife Ruby of Burnet; grand-nephew Brian Glover and wife Melinda of Temple; and grand-niece Brittany Glover of Corpus Christi.

A service was Sept. 20 at Edgar Funeral Home, 109 N. Main St. of Burnet, (512) 756-4444 with the Rev. Ellen Ely officiating.

Burial followed at Dobyville Cemetery.