John Dennis Riley

John Dennis Riley, age 60, of Middleville, passed away on November 2, 2025. He was born on November 3, 1964, in Trumann, Arkansas, the son of Delbert E. and Gladys Dean (Bettis) Riley.
John was a tool and die maker and an automotive engineer by trade-someone who could tell you anything about a vehicle and took pride in understanding how things worked. Intelligent, hardworking, and generous with his knowledge, John was the one people turned to when they had a question or needed a hand.
He was a big family man, known for his beautiful smile and his way of making others feel loved and at ease. He was hard not to like. When John loved you, he loved you with his whole heart. He enjoyed holding babies, spending time with his family, and traveling. A lifelong sports fan, he especially loved golf and football.
John had a great sense of humor-funny, enthusiastic, and full of life. Though he wasn't musical himself, he loved music! What he lacked in talent he made up for with enthusiasm, personality and heart. Although he was a picky eater, he loved to cook and everyone loved what he made. His food reflected the same warmth and confidence he exuded.
A spiritual man, John also cherished family traditions, especially the annual Thanksgiving trip he helped begin-one that will continue in his memory.
John is survived by his wife of 21 years, Pamela (Jacobs) Riley; sons Michael (Jamie) Riley and Kenneth Riley; grandchildren Nolan, Luke, Jacob, and Lane; sisters Elizabeth (Garry) Stone of Romulus and Debra (Dennis) Seeman of Brighton; stepmother Patricia Riley of Casa Grande, Arizona; and stepbrother Scott Moellenberndt of Scottsdale, Arizona; sister-in-law, Darlene Riley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Gladys Riley, son Steven Riley, and brother Delbert Riley Jr.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Gilmore Car Museum - Carriage House.