Gary DeWitt Riley

Gary DeWitt Riley, 71, passed away on Oct. 14, 2026, in Mountain Grove. An avid fisherman, hunter, and all-around outdoorsman, Gary lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and his deep love of the outdoors. Gary was born on March 8, 1955, in Ukiah, Calif., to DeWitt Riley and Edna Christine (Doty) Riley, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his first son, Shaun Matthew Dryer; brother, Larry Riley; and sister, Sharon Beebe. Gary spent his childhood hunting and fishing with his father and brother, developing a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. When he was about 12 years old, his family moved to Basehor, Kan. During his younger years, the family traveled between Kansas and Douglas County, Missouri, and Gary also spent time living with his uncle, Walter Riley, in Douglas County. As a young man, Gary returned to Kansas in search of work and found employment at Sealright factory. During this time, he met Cindy Dryer, who became his wife, Cindy Riley. They were married for 45 years and raised three children, Shaun Matthew Dryer, Gary DeWitt Riley II and Zebula Lee Riley. Throughout his life, Gary found peace and happiness on his 200-acre farm in Douglas County. He enjoyed camping, hunting whitetail deer, and spending time on the land he loved. When hunting season ended, he often camped at Truman Lake or Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Oklahoma, where he enjoyed jug fishing and pursuing 50-plus-pound catfish and 100-pound spoonbill. Gary also loved driving his boat, mowing the grass, sitting on his front porch, and relaxing in his favorite chair. At home, he enjoyed watching John Wayne movies, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman and the evening news. Gary will be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing, his connection to the land, and the many memories he created with his family and friends. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love for the outdoors and the life he built will remain a lasting part of his legacy.
Gary is survived by his two sons, Gary and Zeb; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Brother Ray Bradley officiated at the service. Serving as pallbearers were Jamison Cain, Nick Bunts, Shaun Dryer Jr., Andrew Dryer, Travis Dryer and Jesse Gunter. Honorary pallbearers were Gary DeWitt Riley II, Zebula Lee Riley, Aaron Dryer, Tyler Wheat, Kylee Lempeck, Kaela Wheat, Hannah Riley and Ahnnah Riley. Song selections were “Long Haired Country Boy,” “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “Beat You There,” “Yellow Roses” and “Dancing In The Sky.” Interment followed in the Pleasant Home Cemetery, in Drury, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com. Rest in peace, Gary. May you forever have clear waters, big catches, and endless hunting grounds.