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Robert Cahill Obituary
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Robert "Doc" "Bird" Cahill
September 20, 1948 – February 22, 2026
Legends don't die. They just change addresses.
Robert "Doc" "Bird" Cahill, 77, passed away on February 22, 2026.
February 7 was the last day his family heard his unmistakable voice: sharp, funny, and entirely himself. That evening, he told his daughter he had ordered something for her and the grandchildren that would arrive Monday. Taking care of his family even then was simply who he was.
He passed on the same date 57 years after his two best friends, Marines Michael Cruse and Eddie Gum, lost their lives in Vietnam. His family finds comfort in imagining those two Marines welcoming him home. Oorah. Semper Fi.
Robert was born on September 20, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, to his wonderful parents, John J. Cahill and Georgina (Manhollen) Cahill, who preceded him in death. The values of loyalty, grit, humor, and faith that defined his life were shaped early and carried with him always.
At just 19 years old, Robert served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman in Vietnam with 1/26 Delta Co, running toward the wounded in the chaos of war. He carried that courage and commitment into civilian life, becoming a Registered Nurse at a time when few men entered the profession. He built an extraordinary career as an ER nurse, surgical nurse, co-founder of an HIV/AIDS clinic, and director of an alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation clinic. Caring for people was not merely his profession; it was his calling.
He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce, and together they built a life that spanned six decades. He was a devoted father to Jana Cahill and Dr. Jessica Guire (Danny), and a proud grandfather to Taylor, Tristan, and Teagan, three of his favorite humans.
If you knew Robert, you knew his wit. He was inappropriately funny, sharp as a tack, athletic, courageous, and endlessly entertaining. He told stories that seemed unbelievable yet were true. He made ordinary days memorable.
An athlete throughout his life, he also enjoyed fishing and traveling, especially to Ireland, Belize, and Hawaii. In addition, he was a skilled carpenter.
Above all, Robert was a man of faith. He knew he was blessed, saved, and redeemed by Jesus. That certainly shaped the way he loved and lived with hope instead of fear. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, devotion, humor, service, and unwavering faith, along with the quiet assurance that this goodbye is not forever.
He is reunited with many he missed and welcomed home by his Lord and Savior. It was the privilege of his family to love him and to be loved by him.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. in honor of Robert.
Checks may be made payable to Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. and mailed to: 3168 Meadowfield Dr.,
Arnold, MO 63010
As per Robert's request, no public services will be held. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home.
September 20, 1948 – February 22, 2026
Legends don't die. They just change addresses.
Robert "Doc" "Bird" Cahill, 77, passed away on February 22, 2026.
February 7 was the last day his family heard his unmistakable voice: sharp, funny, and entirely himself. That evening, he told his daughter he had ordered something for her and the grandchildren that would arrive Monday. Taking care of his family even then was simply who he was.
He passed on the same date 57 years after his two best friends, Marines Michael Cruse and Eddie Gum, lost their lives in Vietnam. His family finds comfort in imagining those two Marines welcoming him home. Oorah. Semper Fi.
Robert was born on September 20, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, to his wonderful parents, John J. Cahill and Georgina (Manhollen) Cahill, who preceded him in death. The values of loyalty, grit, humor, and faith that defined his life were shaped early and carried with him always.
At just 19 years old, Robert served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman in Vietnam with 1/26 Delta Co, running toward the wounded in the chaos of war. He carried that courage and commitment into civilian life, becoming a Registered Nurse at a time when few men entered the profession. He built an extraordinary career as an ER nurse, surgical nurse, co-founder of an HIV/AIDS clinic, and director of an alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation clinic. Caring for people was not merely his profession; it was his calling.
He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce, and together they built a life that spanned six decades. He was a devoted father to Jana Cahill and Dr. Jessica Guire (Danny), and a proud grandfather to Taylor, Tristan, and Teagan, three of his favorite humans.
If you knew Robert, you knew his wit. He was inappropriately funny, sharp as a tack, athletic, courageous, and endlessly entertaining. He told stories that seemed unbelievable yet were true. He made ordinary days memorable.
An athlete throughout his life, he also enjoyed fishing and traveling, especially to Ireland, Belize, and Hawaii. In addition, he was a skilled carpenter.
Above all, Robert was a man of faith. He knew he was blessed, saved, and redeemed by Jesus. That certainly shaped the way he loved and lived with hope instead of fear. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, devotion, humor, service, and unwavering faith, along with the quiet assurance that this goodbye is not forever.
He is reunited with many he missed and welcomed home by his Lord and Savior. It was the privilege of his family to love him and to be loved by him.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. in honor of Robert.
Checks may be made payable to Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. and mailed to: 3168 Meadowfield Dr.,
Arnold, MO 63010
As per Robert's request, no public services will be held. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rader Funeral Home of Longview
1617 Judson Road, Longview, TX 75601
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