Carl Riley

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Carl T. Riley was born January 6th, 1954 to Carl Sr. and Amo Jean Riley, in Noel, MO in his grandmother’s basement. He passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020, in Monett, Missouri.

He leaves three sisters, Martha Carlette Zimmerman, Anderson, MO, Betty Jean Zumwalt, Tulsa, OK, and Colleen Epperson, Neosho, MO, Nephews Kevin Hagan, Ryan Epperson, and Robbie Booth, Nieces, Carlette Alexander and Jennifer Gent. He especially loved his greats, Gracie Epperson, Riley Gent, Parker Gent and Bella Epperson. 

Carl had four foster siblings, Jamie Lee Martin, Jeffrey Lynn Martin, Jackie Lou Barton and Joyce Lavon Law, since he was 6 years old, and loved them dearly. Carl was preceded in death by his father, Carl Riley Sr., his mother, Amo Jean Riley, his baby brother, John Dee Marcus Riley, and a niece, Kimberly Booth. 

Carl grew up in McDonald County most of his childhood, and most recently was a resident of the Bentonview-Park-Health-and-Rehabilitation/Nursing Home, Monett, MO. Carl attended school in McDonald County and Neosho, MO. Carl went into the Marines before he graduated High School and got his GED years later, in Springfield, MO. 

Carl was a wonderful Brother and Uncle. He loved his three sisters, his foster siblings, his nephews and nieces with all, of his heart. Family was his life, and he wanted to be with family, as much as he could, enjoying Holiday meals at sister Colleen’s. His personality made people want to be his friend. His laughter was contagious, and he always had a smile, and something funny to say. 

Carl was quite talented and made jewelry, worked with leather, and wrote poetry. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved to read, and the Westerns were his favorite. Carl will be missed by his family and a host of friends who will fondly remember his presence here on earth.

Private services and burial will be held at the Anderson Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson.