Gary J. Riley
Gary James Riley, 73, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, MO. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 17th at New Liberty Baptist Church in Oak Grove, MO; burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.
Gary was born on April 26, 1952, in Artesia, California. He was hardworking and dedicated, spending several decades working as a carpenter, where he was known for his no-nonsense attitude. Despite his responsibilities, he always made time for his family, his friends, and his passions. Though Gary may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity and generosity. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Gary’s hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed hunting, mowing his grass, classic cars, computers, and racing. Gary often spent his weekends talking smack to the young kids who destroyed him on Call of Duty and Fortnite. His love for racing and going fast was something he shared with his children, leaving a mark on all of us that will never fade.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Earl and Marietha Geraldine (Phillips) Riley; his two brothers, Thomas Riley II and Michael Riley; his sister, Glenda Renee Riley-Dabney; his wife, Sandra Kay Riley; his son, Gary James Riley II; and grandson, Austin Jaros-Riley.
His survivors include his son, William Eairheart; daughters: Carrie Riley, Stacy Riley, Jamie Riley, and Tamera (Tammy) Ledom; his sister, Gloria and her husband Walter (Tiny) Calvert; 12 grandchildren: Austin, Colin, Kendall, Alex, Gavin, Ryan, Kaidence, Landen, Tiffany and her husband Jackson, Abigail (Abby), and Jadea; 3 great-grandchildren: Amanda, Alma Rose, and Ayden; 4 very special nieces and nephews,: Annette Dabney- Frampton, Vonna Dabney, Rodney Dabney, and Shane Calvert; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri