Obituary of Emmett Riley

Emmett Eugene Riley, 63, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Mr. Riley, son of Melvin and Pansy (Malone) Riley, was born July 30, 1949, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service in 2011 and enjoyed participating in the annual Doniphan Toys for Tots. A decorated, disabled veteran, Mr. Riley served in the United States Marines from 1967-1969 and received an honorable discharge. Mr. Riley graduated from Salem Community High School in Salem, Illinois, and attended many hours of college courses. He enjoyed reading, traveling, firearms, motorcycles, building and events. He was a Knights Temple of Poplar Bluff 32nd degree Mason, Poplar Bluff Shriner, a member of the Grandin Masonic Lodge #579 and a Pastmaster of the Naylor Masonic Lodge #568. He was also a member of the N. R. A., member of the Missouri State Troopers Emergency Relief and a member of the American Legion #87 in Doniphan. Mr. Riley was a retired charter member mother chapter Vendetta Motorcycle Club of La Puente, California, and founder of four other chapters in the Midwest and was active in the Christian Motorcycle Association. On July 30, 1989, he married his best friend/soulmate, Kathleen A. Roach, in Poplar Bluff on his 40th birthday, claiming it was his best birthday present ever. She survives. Also surviving are his parents, Melvin and Pansy (Malone) Riley of Doniphan; six children Tina L. Riley-Zavala of Peoria, Illinois, Tina Luree (and Tony) Crow and Tyresa Jean (and Rob) Riley-Hampton, both of Poplar Bluff, Tina Marie (and James) Hough, Michael Eugene (and Tammy) Riley and Joseph Eugene (and Christy) Riley; 22 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Pam Duckett of Jackson, Tennessee, Aletha Arne of Steward, Illinois, and Annette Powers of St. Augustine, Florida. Visitation for Mr. Riley will be Sunday, December 9, 2012, starting at noon in the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan with a Masonic Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Brother Danny Collins officiating. The service will conclude with full military honors for Mr. Riley. Memorials may be made to the Doniphan Toys for Tots, 302 Washington Street, Doniphan, MO, 63935.