Donald Riley (87) of Beecher City

Donald Riley, 87, of Beecher City, IL passed away at 5:23 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Don was born on March 21, 1932, in Holliday, the son of John and Ethel (Sweazy) Riley. Don and Wilma Larimore were united in holy matrimony on July 22, 1959. Don was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War. Don worked at the Oliver Corporation in Shelbyville from 1951 until the plant closed in 1971. He owned and operated Riley’s Store in Beecher City from 1977 until 1986 when he sold to S&W. After selling the store, he continued to run the meat department until his retirement in 2005.

Don was an active member of the Beecher City area. He was a 66-year member of the American Legion Post 535 in Beecher City and a lifetime member of the Altamont VFW Post 7676. Don loved sports and enjoyed his years of coaching Little League, and 5th and 6th grade basketball. He was a past President of the Beecher City School Board, past Beecher City Village Board Member and past Clerk for Liberty Township.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Wilma Riley of Beecher City; son, Jack (Donna) Riley of Beecher City; son-in-law, Darrell Gordon of Effingham; seven grandchildren: Megan Riley, Kaitlin Riley, Brianna (Andrew) Pope, Donovan Riley, Dylan Gordon, Tyler (Brandi) Gordon and Myka (Myron) Bowers; four great-grandchildren; brothers: Ralph Riley of Cowden and John Riley of Monticello; sister, Rosalie (Dick) Sattley of Decatur and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Donna Gordon; brother, Jack Riley and five sisters: Evelyn, Virginia, Fern, Wilma and Elva.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15 at Hubbartt Cemetery in rural Beecher City. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to the Beecher City Veterans’ Memorial Wall or the donor’s favorite charity. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Don’s honor by clicking here.