Donald Owen Riley

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 ...[more]

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cob) 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.