David Riley

David Vincent Riley, was born on February 19, 1962, in Toledo, Ohio to Willie Eaton and Clotte Riley-Eaton.

David was affectionately known as "PO David," "Squawky D," "King D," "Gator," and "Chief Long Way" (because a quick ride around the block could easily turn into a four-hour road trip) We called that being "Dave-napped".

David grew up in Toledo, attending Ella P. Stewart Elementary and Jr. High, Libbey High, and Scott High School. A hard worker by nature, David held many jobs over the years, including Ohio Steel in Columbus, Ohio, Forest Cemetery, the City of Toledo, and Auto Warehousing Company (A.W.C) where he retired. Retirement lasted all of one month before David, being David, went right back to work at A.W.C.

At just 63, David lived a full and complete life. He was known for his laughter, his good times, and his serious side. With David, you always knew when playtime was over. He loved looking sharp, was deadly on the pool table (or so he thought he was), he admired old-school cars especially his beloved Rolls Royce. David could argue circles around anyone. According to him, he never lost an argument.

A proud father and grandfather, who delighted in his children's accomplishments, David would do anything for his children. He could drop his "gangsta" at a moment's notice and step into a Santa Claus suit, or an Easter Bunny costume and bring love and laughter to any child or just show up with the sweetest Valentine's or Easter baskets so others could make their loved ones feel special. From model cars, fixing bikes, and scrapping to arts and crafts, doing his famous robot dance moves, or just riding in style-David Riley did it all. He was full of love, laughs and crafts.

David had many friends who were more like brothers: June Hibbler, Larry Calhoun, Ronnie Jones, Dewan Staples, Nate Jenkins, Dennis Hunt, Mark Armstrong, Curt AKA Rooster, Rob Griffin, Ed from A.W.C, cousin Kendall Riley (his unspoken favorite), and "Mr. Everything," Gerald Riley.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Clotte; his daughter, Danielle; and his brother, Booker T. Riley.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his "crown jewels," daughters Melissa (Devon) Smith, Angela Taylor, Israel Ballard, and Tashala Hawkins (Bryan); Son, his "rock," Anthony Riley. Brothers: Eric Riley, Samuel Haywood Myles (Minneapolis, MN), Stephen Eaton Sr., and Roosevelt Riley. Sisters: Ethel Smith, Angela Riley (Minneapolis, MN), Stephanie Riley-Eaton (Minneapolis, MN), Willie Ann Eaton-Bush (Richard), and Ora Eaton. Special friend: Mildred Lawrence. Nine (9) beloved grandchildren Bryan, Amiyah, Ava, Rhys, Devion, Aderion, Sa'Niyah, De'Ja and D'Asia. David is celebrated by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will treasure his memory.

Special thanks are extended to Miss Cindy and Ed from Auto Warehousing Company; Samora, the amazing nurse/aide from Three Meadows in Perrysburg; the caring staff at the University of Toledo Medical Center; and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their love and support.

David's life proved you can be bold and tender, stylish and stubborn, tough and loving-all at once. His long drives, sharp clothes, louder-than-life laugh, and even his "I told you so's" will be missed forever.

As his beloved mother always told him-and as he loved to repeat-"Thank the Lawd for ya." And as David would say himself: "Don't worry about me, I'm just taking the long way home."