Charles Lee O’Reilly passed away peacefully at his home near Powersville, MO, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Charles was born on December 23, 1936, in Lemons, MO, to Edwin and Juanita (Schnelle) O’Reilly. He grew up on the farm near Terre Haute and then graduated from Unionville High School in 1955. After graduation he headed to the wheat fields out west where he hauled grain and learned a lot about life. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary “Joan” Brown on March 29, 1956. They started their farming adventure in Putnam County, moved to the Fort Dodge, IA, vicinity for 4 years, and then returned to Putnam County. In 1974 he purchased his own farm near Powersville and then built a new home for his family, where he continued to reside until his death. Farming was a life-long passion for Charles, and he enjoyed working alongside mentors and friends. Charles spent long hours caring for his cattle and crops and took great pride in keeping his red tractors clean and running smoothly. His family often teased him that he should have been a machinery salesman because he liked trading his equipment often. Charles was an active member of the Lucerne Christian Church for many years.
Charles is survived by his wife, Joan, his children Deborah Hill, Kirksville, MO, Sandra (Jeff) Green, Promise City, IA, Lori O’Reilly, Unionville MO, and Roger (Angela) O’Reilly, Unionville MO. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Matthew & Mark Hill, Megan Sova, Stephanie, Michael, Sara and Katelyn Gillum, Sydney, Tori, Trey and Abbie O’Reilly. He also has 15 great-grandchildren: Luke, Titus, Naomi, Lydia and Miriam Hill; Charlotte, Isaac & Wyant Sova; Tynley, Macey & McCoy Overton; Kenzie Campbell; Aria Mendenhall, Lainey Vanderheyden; and Emma Kay Gillum.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Everett “Roscoe” O’Reilly and Richard “Dick” O’Reilly; his son-in-law Stephen Hill; and his wife’s parents, Dallas and Beulah Brown, and his sister-in-law, Carol Hart.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Lucerne Christian Church at 11:00 am with Pastor Doug Fairley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 am until the service time. Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery. Memorials can be given to the Union Cemetery.
Casady-Luscan Funeral Solutions is honored to care for and minister to the O’Reilly family at this time.
