Donald R. Riley

Donald R. Riley, 85, of Blanchard passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at Medilodge of Mt. Pleasant. A Funeral Mass for Don will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, November 17, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City with Father Thomas Held as celebrant. Immediately following, a luncheon will be held at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. His ashes will be interred in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues on Friday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church or School, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, or Medilodge of Mt. Pleasant. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. Don was born July 25, 1932, in Isabella County, Michigan, son of the late Hugh K. and Beulah B. (Schofield) Riley. He married Agnes L. Recker on August 29, 1953 at St. Joseph Church. After her death in 1998 Don married Jo Ann Paisley on June 3, 2000 at St. Joseph Church. Don was self employed in liquor sales. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish and enjoyed bow and rifle hunting, fishing, and watching sports. Don loved people and was a true friend to many, often teasing those he liked best. Don is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; five children, Dan (Mary B.) Riley of Grand Rapids, Debra (Rick) Domine of Grand Rapids, Dianna (Mark) Faucher of Maple City, Darlene (Bob) Leahey of Sterling Heights, and Doug (Tina) Riley of Lansing; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three step-children, Cheryl Lalama of Illinois, Carol (Terry) Bellinger of Mt. Pleasant, and Barbara (Tom) Ogletree of Blanchard; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; two siblings, Mary Riley of Mt. Pleasant and Hugh G. (Joy) Riley of Blanchard; sister-in-law, Leona Riley of Weidman; special niece, Sandra Boge of Beal City; and many extended family members, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Beulah Riley; first wife, Agnes Riley; son, Donald R. Sam Riley II; daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Sharon Riley and Sarah Riley; and siblings, Herb Riley, Howard Riley, Bill Riley, Pat Riley, Glen Riley, Bernard Riley and Genevieve Benezette.