Donald M. Riley
Donald Milton Riley, 83, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, April 28, 2025 at New London Specialty Care in New London.
Don was born August 12, 1941 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Fain Milton and Cleola Grace (Wilson) Riley. Fain died while Don was an infant. He was raised by his mom, and Paul David Riley, Cleola’s second husband and the man whom Don called his dad. Don attended school in Mt. Pleasant. In February of 1964 in Mt. Pleasant, Don was united in marriage to Marjorie Lee Hill. The couple later divorced. On May 23, 1975 in Kahoka, MO, Don was united in marriage to Donna Jo Myers. Donna preceded Don in death.
For nearly all of his working career, Don was a farm implement small engine mechanic. He worked on a variety of small engines, primarily lawn mower engines. He was a longtime employee of Bill Hasenfritz’s Implement and later T.H.E. Company. For a few years, Don was a partner with Faylon Palmer in Don & Fay’s Lawn Mower Care.
Lawn mowers occupied not only much of Don’s working career, but his pastime as well, as Don loved to mow lawns. When not mowing, Don could be found watching NASCAR races, cheering for his favorite driver, Dale Ernhart, Sr. Don was also known to enjoy watching the W.W.E. as well. Don was a previous member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the ATV Club, where he was often called upon to be the flagger for the ATV races.
Those thankful for sharing in Don’s life include his children – Todd Riley and his wife April, Machelle Kemp and her husband Steve and Kristina Riley, all of Mt. Pleasant; his sister – Karen Hummell and her husband Kenny of Mt. Pleasant; 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren (with 1 great grandchild on the way) and 1 great great grandchild; 3 nieces and 1 nephew.
His parents, wife Donna, brother Leroy Riley and infant sister Joyce Ann Riley precede Don in death.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, May 8, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com