Jerrold (Jerry) L. Riley, 78, died on October 5, 2016, at Freeman Hospital.
Mr. Riley was born Aug. 27, 1938, in Carthage to Lev N. Riley and the former Mary L. Henderson. He was a graduate of Carthage High School in 1956, and served in the Marine Reserves from 1955 to 1961. He worked at Missouri Gas Energy for more than 30 years, when he retired to hold court over a motley crew in the garage at his home in Joplin.
Mr. Riley will be remembered for his storytelling, but mostly, he will be remembered for his bedrock love of his family, and his ability to define “family” broadly.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Julie Campbell Riley, and sons Mark Riley, of Carthage; Lance Riley, of Jenks, Okla., and his daughter, Juliann McFall, of north of Webb City. He is also survived by his beloved in-laws, Karen, Cindy, and Michael, and his beloved grandchildren, Laura, John, Mary, David, Riley, Aili, and Elease, and his great-granddaughter, Alaina. Also surviving are his brother, Ross, and his wife, Jackie, and his sister Kathy and her husband, Ray Cooper.
A celebration of his life will be held later. The family wishes to thank everyone for their deep love and support as it continues Jerry’s legacy.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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