Charles Edward Riley was born on April 29, 1942, in Summersville, Missouri to Donald Edward and Mary (Pyles) Riley. He passed away on Feb. 6, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 83.
Charlie was united in marriage to Susie Taber on May 28, 1961. To this union, two children were born: Kathy Sue Adams and Dewayne Edward Riley.
Charlie was a graduate of Summersville High School, class of 1960. Following graduation, he attended meat-cutting school in Ohio. He later worked as a butcher at Stanley’s IGA in Licking, Missouri, before beginning a career with UPS in 1973, where he worked for 27 years until his retirement.
Charlie was a member of First Baptist Church of Summersville, Masonic Lodge of Houston, Eastern Star of Houston, Fraternal Order of Eagles #3911, Scottish Rite and the Shriners of Springfield. He was also active in the Missouri Shuffleboard Players Association and was inductee number four to the Missouri Shuffleboard Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, Charlie could most often be found outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, mushroom hunting, gigging or grabbing suckers, or just spending time on the river or in the woods whenever he could. He also loved playing shuffleboard and competing in tournaments. More than anything, he liked visiting with friends and family, telling stories and enjoying a good day of fellowship.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Edward Riley and Mary Pyles Riley; his sister, Carol Ruth Lowell; and his close friend and Masonic brother, Charley Hartman.
He is survived by Julie Hartman of the home; his daughter, Kathy Adams and husband Tim; his son, Dewayne Riley and wife Cheryl; his granddaughter, Christina; his stepson, Daren Medlock and wife Pam; his step-granddaughter, Taylor; his brother-in-law, Merle Lowell; along with a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.
Charlie will be remembered as a good man who enjoyed life’s simple things and the people around him. He loved being outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, camping or out mushroom hunting, and he always enjoyed a good game of shuffleboard and visiting with friends. Charlie took pride in his work and cared deeply for his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was the kind of person who made folks feel comfortable, and his steady presence and quiet ways will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at Bradford Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Medley officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the service time on Monday. Family and friends may also drop by the funeral home for a viewing and to sign the register book from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15. Interment will be in the Summersville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to the Summersville City Cemetery or Shriners Children’s Hospital. Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.