Harry A. Riley (99) of Effingham

Harry Andrew Riley, 99, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Thursday, June 27, at the First Baptist Church in Effingham. Visitation is from 9AM to 11AM Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church. L.R. Osborn Funeral Home of Kell, IL, is handling the arrangements. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham.

Harry was born on June 11, 1925, at his parents' home in Marion County, IL. He was the son of Carl and Nora (Hawkins) Riley. He married the love of his life, Betty Jean Phillips on August 4, 1943. Harry was an avid golfer with several “holes in one” to his credit. He was a St. Louis Cardinals and a University of Illinois sports fan. Harry was especially close to all of his grandchildren and his trips with the kids made for many life long memories. He was known as a craftsman and built many beautiful furniture pieces for all his family. You could almost always find him busy in his workshop. Harry was a past member of the Effingham Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow and served as the club treasurer for many years. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Harry was a member of the First Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a proud member of the U.S. Army and served in WWII under General George S. Patton. His early work career included delivering gas for Conoco as well as farming. Following that, his primary career was working for the State of Illinois as the local Manager of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. He served in that capacity for over thirty years.

Harry is survived by his daughters Gayla (David) Ring and Carol (Don) Althoff all of Effingham, IL, a sister Mary Ann Beals of Oblong, IL. Grandchildren include Matt (Susie) Ring of Town and Country, MO, Blake (Lydia) Ring of Louisville, KY, Lauren (Brandon) Storm of St. Louis, MO, Suellen (Jarrell) Keen of Edwardsville, IL, Andy (Brooke) Riley of Mt. Vernon, IL, Jamie (Nate) Niemerg of Teutopolis, IL, Clint (Sasha) Althoff of Effingham, IL. In addition, there are twenty-two great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Betty and his son Philip and Philip's wife Demesia "Rosemary" Valencia Riley. Harry was one of thirteen children, two of which died in infancy. A daughter born and passed on the same day, May 1, 1914, and an infant son, Franklin Hawkins Riley born January 12, 1919, and died on April 2, 1919. Other siblings who have gone on before are Dorothy McBride, Oscar Riley, Aline Tate, Nellis Smith, James Riley, Johnnie Riley, Billie Riley, Floyd Riley and Betty McCrary.

Harry was known for his great sense of humor and was dearly loved by all who knew him. His strong faith guided his life and made for a positive impact on all his family. God richly blessed him with 99 years and he was able to live a wonderful and rewarding life. The family would like to thank SPS Home Health Care, HSHS Hospice and a special thank you to health care provider Ms. Shirley Depew for the special care he received during his final months.