Robert Neill

Robert R. "Bobby" Neill, age 77, of West, passed away Tuesday morning, October 1, 2024 at Ridgecrest Retirement Center in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard.

Robert was born December 31, 1946 in Waco, the son of Hollis and Martha (Smajstrla) Neill. He was a 1967 graduate of Abbott High School. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War and made two tours before being honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist 5th Class in 1970. On May 24, 1969 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" Kolar in West. They planned their wedding over a ham radio while he was on his first tour and, after getting married, he served for nine more months. Robert was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, American Legion Post #479, Knights of Columbus Council #2305, KJT Society #31, and SPJST Lodge #66. Robert worked in the curing department for General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco for 15 years. He then became a long haul truck driver for Celadon Trucking in Indianapolis and short haul for Walmart Trucking in Palestine. Robert enjoyed dove hunting, fishing, listening to polka music, riding around in his truck in the country, having breakfast with his friends at the VFW, playing "42" dominoes, and playing his accordion. He loved spending time with his family, playing a mean game of chicken foot, and cherished time with his grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Thomas, William, and Patrick Neill.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Betty Neill; his children, Melissa Warren and husband Bill Jr., Jason Neill, Kevin Neill and wife Tammy, Erin Rieger and husband Scott, all of West; his grandchildren, Bailey Warren and wife Madison, Braxson Warren and Jocelyn Sosa, Mabri Warren, Kenzie Neill, Zoey Neill, Cason Rieger and Grace Watson, and Cadence Rieger; his siblings, James Neill and wife Darlene, John Neill and wife Lisa, and Patricia Kolar and husband Raymond; two sisters-in-law, Sherrie Neill and Nancy Neill; his grand dogs, Murphy, Tank, Toby, Wayne and Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Bailey Warren, Braxson Warren, Cason Rieger, Chad Kolar, Chris Neill, Justin Neill, and Scott Neill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Volunteer Ambulance Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.