"Don, you will be missed! But know our Lord's arms are around you, and you are in Paradise! I am so blessed to have seen you that Saturday before you passed. You were angelic, you laugh at Dana's stories, and smiled so sweetly! I will always have that good memory and many more. We will all take of Jean, but then she will have your love and God's love to keep her strong! Love you! Candy and family"
In loving memory of
Donald Owen Riley
January 3, 1945 - October 23, 2013
Donald Owen Riley, 68, of Burlington, had a profound faith in Jesus Christ and went home to be with our Lord and Savior at 1:35 a.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2013 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 3, 1945 in Decatur, Illinois, he was the son of Donald Elmer Riley and Zola Evelyn (Clifton) Riley Loose. He was a 1963 graduate of Burlington High School and served in the Army National Guard. He met the love of his life in 1965 and on September 3, 1966 he married Jean Ann Dodge at Bethany Lutheran Church in Burlington.
Don was a master union plumber for over 46 years. He was first and foremost a member of Jesus Christ's family. In addition he was a member of West Avenue Baptist Church, Local #125 Union Plumbers and Fitters of East Central Iowa and the American Legion.
He loved hunting, golfing, fishing; time spent with his pets and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a lifelong Bears and Cubs fan and enjoyed dirt track racing and NASCAR.
He was a beloved husband to his wife, Jean Riley of Burlington; he was the devoted father to two sons, Donald C. Riley and Chad J. (Mecca) Riley both of Burlington; his seven grandchildren, Kayla (Jacob) Riley Henry, Jake Riley, Luke Riley, Matt Riley, Ali Riley, Grant Riley, and Jack Riley; one beloved sister, Barbara Willson of Madison, Mississippi; his cherished brother-in-law that he loved as his brother and sister-in-law, James and Carol Dodge of Burlington; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Patricia Ann Huddleston and one nephew, Richard Stratton.
The funeral service for Mr. Riley will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26th at West Avenue Baptist Church. The Rev. Kirk Bennett will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites. There will be a bird release at the cemetery to commemorate Don's soul rising to heaven.
Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 25th in Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Memorials have been established for West Avenue Baptist Church and Great River Hospice.
Tributes
"I'm so sorry to here of the lose of your love one and a good person in general I new Don mainly from work where he showed me a lot of skills and good old graftmenship that I do use and allways will Don u will always be in my memory and mind I seen you out and about 2 or 3 weeks lm so glade l had the chance to say Hi and I'm sorry I couldn't be there of the end of your joruney
Becuase I'm fightting lung cancer Your familys harts and prayers are in my familys harts end prayers and my memorery are not and will not be forgotton
Thanks Don"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May the love and support of those who care help ease your pain. Deanna Otto McNabb "
"Don - our own personal Johnny Bench look alike! Mom and I were laughing about how many times he had to save Dad on his home improvement projects. The other laugh came today when we were reminiscing about Dad and Don trying to change "Donna's Mom's tire" (Donna Beck) at Hendco Hills (our version of a Country Club). And we all have to remember the infamous quote "must be Air in the Line"! Strength to all of you during this time."
"Jean and family, So sorry to hear about Don. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I wish we could have somehow kept in touch all these years. I know Bruce and Don would have been good friends as they had so much in common. Take care "
"My deepest sympathy to you Jean and your family. Jan Molter"
"My heartfelt sympathy on your loss. I pray God comforts you and your family during the difficult journey that lies ahead until you meet again in the arms of our Lord Jesus!"
"My deepest sympathy to you, Jean, and to your family. Take extra special care of one another and keep each other close. In sorrow, Jean Drulis"
"Jean~~Beautiful memories~you have~~Those memories~will keep you going through these difficult times. We enjoyed our visits with You and Don. Admired him so much~~His Faith was so strong~~He certainly was a GREAT Husband~Great Dad and a GREAT Grandpa~ And All of you can "carry on" the GREAT Values He instilled in All of YOU! Love and Aloha~Tom & Geri "
"So sorry Jean hes in a better place and was ready to go God will give you strength for the days ahead I will always be here for you love you "
"I have so many wonderful memories of Don it would take a long time to tell you. Some of our special times was camping at Hend-Co Hills with all the kids and friends. He was always willing to help everyone with his skills. He knew where he was going and was not sacred-Rest in Peace dear friend. Nob & Sheree"
"I do not remember a time when Donald O. was not in my life. He was such an important part in my growing up. I will miss him and cherrish my so many treasured memories and pictures. Stay strong Donny and Chad. And to my other mother, thank you for sharing Donald O., he was a real trooper putting up with me! All my love, Kell "
"Jean, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and grandchildren during this difficult time. I pray that the Lord continues to offer you 'Faith, Hope and Love......and the greatest of these is Love......' and you find strength and comfort in his words. With much sympathy........Marlene Raid "