Carol “Bud” Riley, son of the late Luther and Lila Riley, was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Blanche, and passed away July 24, 2021, at his home in Mansfield. He was 85 years, 7 months and 1 day. Bud married Mollie Plaster on May 28, 1965 at Blackjack in Douglas County. Two sons were born to this union. Bud worked at Hutchens Industries for 35 years. In his spare time, his passions were fishing and hunting, which he devoted much of his time. His sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of his life. He dearly loved them all and treasured time spent with each of them. He enjoyed building and making furniture. He also liked mowing his lawn and took great pride in having a pretty yard. Bud and Mollie liked to travel. They covered most of the western states. He especially like visiting New Mexico, where he lived as a child and where his sister, Jessie, lived. Bud enjoyed going to church and being with his church family. He will be greatly missed by his wife, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his brothers, Clabe Fleetwood, Walter, Leon, Dewitt and Paul Riley; and his sisters, Jessie Wilson and Doris Fleetwood. He is survived by his wife of the home, Mollie Riley; his sons, Kevin Riley, of Mansfield, and Kenneth Riley, of Seymour; two grandchildren, Jenifer Cottingim and her husband, Cody, and Ethan Riley, all of Seymour; great-grandchildren, Braedyn and Emberlyn Riley, of Seymour; one sister, Elsie McIntosh, of Drury; and many nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly. Visitation for Bud Riley was held Monday, July 26, 2021, from 6-7:30 at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home, with Brother Daniel Cottengim officiating. Song selections were “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Duke McIntosh, Gary Riley, Jr., Zeb Riley, Rusty Plaster, Robert Plaster and Chris Plaster served as pallbearers. Burial was in Pleasant Home Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Home Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
