Carl D. Riley

Passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025, after a brief illness at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, just a week shy of his 96th birthday. Don was born on April 28, 1929, in Dresden, Ohio, the son of Fred Wilson and Margaret Ann (Graves) Riley. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1947 and was united in marriage at St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1954 to Shirley Yvonne Baak for over 70 years.

Don joined the US Army in 1951. He was stationed in Florida, where he earned the rank of Seargent before being honorably discharged in 1953. Shortly afterwards, he moved to Michigan and held jobs at businesses including the Adolf Johnson Company and the Oliver Corporation, among others, before starting work at the W.K. Kellogg Company in Battle Creek. He served in several roles there, including work in the print shop and the tank farm, until his retirement in 1991 after 22 years. During that time, he was an active member of the American Federation of Grain Millers Local #3. For many years, he served as a union steward and volunteered to help raise money for the United Way. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and the Polish National Alliance. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping in his younger days. He remained a member of the Kellogg retirees’ union.

Don was preceded in death by the love of his life, Shirley (March, 2025) and his brothers John (Emy Lou) Riley (September, 2000) and Robert (Betty) Riley (August, 2016). He is survived by his brother Dale (Ruby) Riley, of Kent, Ohio; and by his four sons Jeffery Riley, of Sherwood, MI; James (Darlane) Riley, of Battle Creek; Jay Riley, of Battle Creek; and John Riley, of Lansing. He has four grandchildren, Joshua Riley and Zachry Riley, of Georgia; Cody Riley and Allyson (Riley) Pewoski, of Battle Creek; and one great grandson, Thomas Pewoski. He has several surviving nieces and nephews.

After Don and Shirley retired, they travelled extensively, spending winters in warmer places like Florida, Texas, and Arizona. He loved to cook, and to buy and sell antiques and collectibles at flea markets. Together, they enjoyed exploring new places, camping with family and friends, and good food. Don had a wonderful sense of humor.

When their kids were young, Don and Shirley volunteered with youth groups at St. Mark. He liked to take his boys to Detroit Tigers baseball games and volunteered to help with his boys’ Boy Scout activities. For many years, a fun and valued family tradition was spending Thanksgiving holidays with his parents at their farm in Ohio (where he was always known as Carl) with his bothers, their kids, and other extended family and friends. He volunteered repeatedly to honor veterans by placing flags at Fort Custer National Cemetery for Memorial Day.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Oaklawn Hospital for the amazing kindness and compassion they showed in caring for Don in his final days.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will hold a memorial service at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Battle Creek on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Don and Shirley’s remains will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to St. Mark Lutheran Church or a charity of one’s choice. www.henryfuneralhome.org