Published on July 9, 2025 7:05 am
Last Updated on July 9, 2025 7:05 am
Dr. Howard Bishop Riley, DDS, age 101, of Greenville, Texas, and formerly of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 9:48 AM – Monday, January 20, 2025, at his home.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Services honoring the life of Howard and his wife Rosella will be held at 11:00 AM. The burial will be in the Plainfield Cemetery east of Rose Hill, Illinois, with military rites. In loving memory of Howard, memorials may be made to the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. The obituary can be viewed, and condolence left at www.meyerfh.com.
Howard was born on August 24, 1923, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Dr. Daniel Howard and Clara E. (Bishop) Riley. He graduated from Newton Community High with the Class of 1941. In 1942, Howard volunteered and served in the United States Army as a Corporal during World War II, for 3 years.
Howard went on to further his education and became a Dentist. He graduated from Northwestern University of Dental School in 1953, practiced his profession on the square in Newton for 28 years.
Howard married Rosella Brooks in 1950, and she preceded him in death on October 2, 2012.
Howard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. A life member of the Japer Post #20 American Legion in Newton, where he had served as Past Commander and Financial Officer for 17 years. He also served as Adjutant and later Commander of the American Legion 23rd District.
Howard enjoyed history and was proud of the lineage of his family, being some of the early settlers in Jasper County arriving in 1846. He enjoyed playing poker and was a true historian of Jasper County.
Howard was also a life member of the American Dental Association and in 1966, he was appointed to the Illinois State Dental Advisory Committee of the Department of Public Aid, on which he served for 16 years.
Howard is survived by:
Daughter – Sherry (Warren) Bailey of Greenville, Texas
Twin Granddaughters – Audrey (Jeff) Garrison and Hannah (Kevin) Sandifer
Great Grandchildren – Addison and Ella Sparks
Howard was preceded in death his parents, wife and a son Daniel Howard Riley.