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Riley, Lawrence 3/15/1931 - 7/23/2020 Jackson Lawrence "Larry" Bell Riley passed away peacefully on July 23, 2020. The middle name has proudly been passed on to his great- grandson Owen, the sixth generation of Rileys to carry the name Larry was born March 15, 1931 to Wilbur Bell and Lucile L. (Britten) Riley of Hudson, MI. He is survived by one sister, Lona Myone Merritt (Robert Corron) of Clarksville, VA and two brothers, Eugene David (Dee) of Owosso and Duane Lee of Mishawaka, IN. Larry graduated from Addison High School as valedictorian of the famous '49-ers, studied at the University of Michigan Architectural School for a year and a half before joining the army and graduating from the Corps of Engineers Officer Candidate School. As a second lieutenant, he was assigned to the Air Force and served a year at Taegu Airbase in Korea. Upon his discharge in 1953 he married Elizabeth Marvin from Adrian MI. They moved to Jackson and had three children: Lisa Roscine Pelchat of Edwards, CO, Laura Myone Gordon (Ron) of Chelsea, MI, and James Bell of Eagle, MI. In 1985 he married and is survived by Debra Jean Cortright (Farr) and he inherited a caring step-daughter, Angela Lynne Lapp (Jason). He has 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind brother-in-law and close friend, Kenneth Farr (Maria). Larry began his career at Hungerford Construction where his mentor, Bob Wieder, trained him to be an estimator. In 1961 he moved to O'Harrow Construction. He was project manager for three of the first four Jackson Community College buildings. O'Harrow's owner, Marvin Swanson specialized in "Design and Build" work. With Marv as his second mentor, Larry became adept at efficient design which allowed owners to have buildings at prices they could afford. He designed and managed over a hundred projects as diverse as a prototype multi-screen theater for GKC Theaters out of Springfield, IL and a meat processing plant for Gourmet Beef in Williamston, MI. He is most proud of the physical education building at Spring Arbor College and the Spring Arbor Free Methodist sanctuary addition (the largest auditorium in Jackson County). He retired in 1999. Larry enjoyed traveling and has visited every state except North Dakota and Hawaii. He also visited five of the Canadian Provinces, most of the Caribbean Islands, Bermuda and sites in the Far East, Europe, South and Central America. When asked recently about his favorite destination, he responded "Tahiti" which is where he and Debby went on their tenth anniversary. He also enjoyed reading and writing in his later years. Per his wishes, he has been cremated. A memorial service is planned at Trinity Lutheran Church, 122 W. Wesley, Pastor Galen Grulke officiating, at 11am on September 12. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Donations in his memory may be made to the church.
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6 Entries
Larry was a very intersting man. I always enjoyed our conversations. My condolences to Debbie and his children.
Dan Schatzinger
Friend
July 27, 2020
Lisa, Laura and Jim,
Sorry to hear of your father's death. Many good memories of family cookouts as a child with all of you.
May God be with you all at this time of loss.
Mike Richardson
Friend
July 26, 2020
Always a gentleman. Have many fond memories with both Debbie and Larry. My deepest sympathy to Debbie and the family. Cindy Livesay
Cindy Livesay
Friend
July 25, 2020
Larry was a very kind man and a wonderful neighbor to have for 22 years. Our sincerest condolences to his wife Debra and his family. Tom and Colleen
Colleen Smigielski
Neighbor
July 25, 2020
Thank you for your service Mr. Riley.
July 25, 2020
I was honored to work with Larry on the Free Methodist Church sanctuary addition. Larry was creative, honest, reasonable, and professional. The sanctuary remains very serviceable, and visitors often compliment its beauty and welcoming atmosphere. He has reason to be proud of his effort here.
Marston J Fortress
Friend
July 24, 2020
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