Columbus, OH — Robert Gene Wiley, 90, of Richwood, Ohio, died March 26, 2025.
He was born July 21, 1934, in Watkins, Ohio, to the late Charles C. and Emma Dell (née Clapsaddle). On Feb. 20, 1955, he married the former Peggy P. Boyd, who died Oct. 10, 2013.
Mr. Wiley had a passion for harness racing and was a member of the USTA, Richwood Matinee Club, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, and was a licensed official (presiding judge) of the Ohio State Racing Commission.
He worked at Parker Hannifin in Green Camp, Ohio, for 48 years as a production manager. He was past master of Mt. Carmel #303 Free & Accepted Masons in Richwood. He was a member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, and Aladdin Shriners.
Mr. Wiley served on various Boards of Education since 1971, including North Union Local Board of Education for 16 years, and the Union County Board of Education until it merged with Delaware County Board. He was then appointed and subsequently elected to North Central Ohio Education Service Center, and appointed to Tri-Rivers Career Center Board. He earned the Distinguished Board Member Award for the Ohio School Boards Association.
He is survived by his daughters, Cathy Pratt, Connie (Peter) Carroll and Christy Wiley; grandchildren, Amanda (Daniel) Caraway, Kara Pratt, Erica (Nate) Whitt, Brendan (Amber) Carroll, Josh (Cait) Seckel, Molly (Russ) Clark and Sean (Sophia) Carroll; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Tallman; and companion, Nancy Meister. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim.
Funeral services will be held March 31, at 6 p.m. at Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, in Richwood, Ohio, with Pastor Jim Gardner officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, beginning at 5 p.m. Masonic services will be conducted by Mt. Carmel #303 F&AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), 1379 Dublin Road,
Columbus, OH 43215.