Paul Edward O'Reilly

Paul E. O’Reilly, 75, of rural Red Rock, Texas passed away on October 7, 2023, following a long and harrowing illness.  Paul was born on January 16, 1948, to Ned and Phyllis O’Reilly in Columbus, Ohio.  He grew up in the small town of New London, Ohio and graduated from Howe Military Academy in Indiana in 1966. 

Following high school Paul graduated in 1971 from The Citadel Military College of the South, having attended on a full Army scholarship.  While at The Citadel, Paul set several school records for the mile and half mile.  He also was one of the few young men to run in and finish the 1966 Boston Marathon.  Paul was a high-performance athlete for most of his young manhood.  In 1971 he married his childhood sweetheart, the former Mary Donaldson also of New London, Ohio. 

Upon his graduation from The Citadel, Paul was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1971.  He served honorably as a first lieutenant for three years in the 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division in Germany, followed by three years in the Ohio National Guard. 

Paul graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1981.  He was in private practice for several years before joining the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney until his retirement in 2008.  Paul was a brilliant and recognized Constitutional Law scholar, which was his lifelong passion. 

The O’Reilly’s fulfilled an enduring  dream by retiring to a small ranch in rural Red Rock in 2008, enabling them both to be near their children and grandchildren.  Paul spent his retirement researching and writing about Constitutional Law, as well as editing several military handbooks on tactical warfare. 

Paul is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary, a son Scott McKinley O’Reilly of Red Rock, a daughter Beth O’Reilly Kazen of Cypress, Texas, grandchildren Searra Smith Russell of Bastrop, Jacob O’Reilly of Red Rock, Sebastian Kazen of Cypress, and two great grandchildren, as well as two brothers and a sister.  He was preceded in death by his parents and dear grandson, Scottie O’Reilly in 2018.  

A Memorial Service for Paul will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church of Red Rock.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grace Baptist Church of Red Rock Food Bank, 115 Sorrell Street, Red Rock, TX 78662.