Robert Fredrick (Bob) Daily, 93, was born July 6, 1932, near Logan, Oklahoma to Archie and Nellie Anderson Daily, during the height of the Dust Bowl years. He went to be with the Lord on July 23, 2025, in Abilene, Kansas, surrounded by his family. The loss of our family patriarch has been a profound experience. He was our pillar of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. We write this to honor his memory.
Bob spent his childhood in the panhandle of Texas, the oldest of five siblings. The Daily family worked hard during the Dust Bowl years. Bob’s entertainment was watching the steam engine trains pass by, leading to a lifelong passion with trains. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart. Bob graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 and spent his career as a teacher and football coach. He impacted the lives of countless students, many who considered him a mentor and kept in touch throughout his life. He married Ruth Pierce in Kansas in 1953 and they had two children, James Bennett (Ben) and Marcia Colleen. He later married Carmen Raval Breeler in California in 1967 and from this union came four daughters- Barbara Sue, Brenda Lynn, Cynthia Lee, and Teresa Ann. His children and their families were his number one priority and he attended every special event in their lives.
Bob spent his retirement years traveling the country to visit his beloved family, earning him the nickname “Okie Rover”. Many remember the camera permanently hanging from his neck, capturing memories to share with his many friends and family on Facebook. Bob was a sports enthusiast, realizing its unique power to teach positive values. The California Angels and Kansas City Royals were his baseball teams and many a Father’s Day was spent at a Royals game. His final years were spent on his son Ben’s farm in Kansas, with frequent visits from his daughters and many relatives. Bob, Ben, and Francis were lovingly known as “The Three Daily Bachelors,” living the dream on the family farm.
Bob was preceded in death by his daughters Barbara Daily Evans, Brenda Daily Wentling, and Teresa Daily Allen. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter Tawnee Bubak, great-grandson Creeden Bubak; sister, Beverly Dutcher, and brothers Darvin Jack Dailey and William (Bill) Dailey. Bob is survived by his sister Darlene Folks; sister-in-law Donna Dailey; his children Ben Daily, Solomon, Kansas; Marcia (Frank) Bubak, Olathe, Kansas, Cynthia (Michael) Alexander, Ludowici, Georgia; 15 grandchildren: Angela, Samantha, Alexandra, Sarah, Trevor, Mary, Austin, Derrick, Megan, Margaret, Francis, Katherine, Jacqueline, Maelyn, Macyn; 11 great-grandchildren: Ashley, Avree, Alexis, Jaynee, Jayana, Caliber, Madelyn, Thea, Levi, Alice, Lily; 5 great-great grandchildren: Kaison, Grace, Oakley, Jaelyn, Jordyn. To those many grandchildren he is “Gpa” (thanks Sami for the special nickname). He said his grandchildren are his best friends.