Jack L. Riley

Jack L. Riley, 79, a resident of Uhrichsville for much of his life, died Monday, January 7, 2013 at Summa Health System in Akron after losing a brave battle with cancer. Born April 19, 1933 in Uhrichsville, he was a son of the late Dalton Lyle and Pearl Evelyn (Shaw) Riley.

After attending Tuscarawas High School through his senior year, Jack proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for four years during the Korean War, followed by four more years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was employed for many years by Ohio Industrial Supply after beginning his career at Haas Hardware in Dennison. Jack was active in the life of his community in many ways, including as a member and former trustee of Uhrichsville First Christian Church, a longtime Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop #422, member of the F. & A.M. Lodge #194, and member and past president of the Highway Patrol Auxiliary, Uhrichsville Little League and American Legion Post #230 where he was also active in the color guard and military committal squad. He was a member of the Claymont Boosters, and for many years he attended every home football game so that he could raise the flag and stand at his post as color guard during the game. He served on Uhrichsville City Council for a number of years, as well. Jack was also a dedicated blood donor.

On January 2, 1955, Jack married the former Doris E. Baker in Uhrichsville First Christian Church. They enjoyed nearly fifty-six years of marriage together before her passing on December 1, 2010 and were blessed with four children, Michael A. “Mick” (Savien) Riley of Byron, Georgia, Charlene (James) Crabtree of Louisville, Kentucky, Marilyn (Jeff) Nibling of Green, Ohio and Jack (Michele) Riley, II of Silver Spring, Maryland; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by two sisters, Norma J. (Gene) Little of New Philadelphia and Wanda L. Barkley of Stillwater, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Robert, James, Don, Eddie Dale, and Doyle Riley.

Services for Jack, officiated by Pastor Scott Snyder, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Interment will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover with a military committal service. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday with a 6:45 p.m. Masonic memorial service that evening. Those wishing to honor Jack’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Uhrichsville First Christian Church.